davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-08

in the farming districts of the Tennessee valley.
 The lessons taught by the experienced and competent instructors and eagerly studied by the negro farmers. were on farm horses and mules, tools and imple- ments for farming, the necessity of good seed bed and how to make it, the best va riety of seed for upland and lowlands, simple plan of crop diversifcation for one-horse farmers. simple plan of crop rotation in operation by farmers of the community and the importance of rural organizations and how to form them.
 The programme for women a large number of whom were present at the meeting, and in charge of Bessie Gulley, included household pests and how to control them; methods of washing and ironing with demonstrations. closing with lessons in cooking simple food and how to reduce the high cost of living.
 The interest in the meetings was in tense throughout, as shown by the many questions asked by the farmers and their eagerness to learn to diversity crops and how to live at home.
 
 Rev. A. F. Owens conducted a Bible school for all the preachers and teach CTS showing the relation of his work to the work conducted by Professor Parks and assistants.
 Professor Parks stated that more than 800 negro farmers had registered at the meetings held in Morgan, Limestone and Lawrence counties and that the meetings were attended by leading white planters, who highly indorsed the work.
 The meetings will be continued in Madi- son. Colbert and other counties of the Tennessee valley.
 A call was issued for a mass meeting Of the negro public school teachers of the Tennessee valley at Decatur February 25-2S
 The call was made by Prof. W. H. Buchanan, Prof. P. c. Parks and H. c. Hopkins. Madison county; Prof. G. w. Trenholm, B. J. Sterling, c. King and J. H. Darthard, Colbert; Dr. s. M. Robin son, G. M. Murphy. W. J. Wilson and Prof. J. H. Harris. Morgan; J. w. Nor gan, Lauderdale; L. w. Winston, Frank lin; Prof. E. z. Mathews. Lawrence.
 There are some 200 teachers in the Ten nessee valley and the majority of them will attend the mass meeting.
 A. r. OWENS. Courtland. February G. 1915.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-08

travel may have the privilege of leaving their baggage in railway stations baggage rooms 4s hours without having to pay de- murrage charges. The present time limit Is 2i hours, and if a salesman wants to leave his baggage in the station from Sat urday morning until Monday morning he will have to pay demurrage charges for 2i hours of the time.
 Most states in the union have such laws according to Ajax Davis, secretary of the United Commercial Travellers, who thinks the proposed legislation along this line most reasonable. MT. Davis points out that salesmen who make the home of- flee once a week, reaching headquarters Saturday morning and leaving Monday morning, are compelled to either pay de- murrage charges to the railroads or pay a "baggagesmasher" for transferring It to the office of the company for which he drums up trade. It would be a great convenience for the travelling public, and, it is pointed out, would work no hardship on the carriers.
 Another bill which the salesmen ask for provides for the inspection of hotels as to their sanitary condition, and for the appointment of a hotel inspector, with a
 salary and an expense account suffi-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-08
MODERATE GAIN IN
 COTTON FOR WEEK No Great Display of Bullish Sentiment Seen In the
 Futures Market

New Orleans. February 7.--Cotton made a moderate advance last week, closing 8 to 12 points up. No great dis play of bullish sentiment was seen in futures and at no session of the week was trading large in volume but the market showed strength of it's own, de- rived from the record breaking export movement, the large mill takings, the better trade accounts from mill cen ters and the good demand for spot cot ton in the interior.
 Total shipments for the week were 585.032 bales. the largest on record. Mill takings were 10000 bales. Man chester cabled that many mills had not been as busy in years, giving orders for war material as the reason. in the belt buyers found it difficult to trade because of the firmness of holders while prices were comparatively nigh CT than at the ports. On several days of the week Dallas quoted middling at cents while the quotation at New Orleans was c. This difference would not pay the cost of transportation be- tween the two markets.
 This week the trade will watch very closely the export situation, not so much, perhaps. to see whether tine de-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-08
GERMANY WILL NOT USE AMERICAN CORN
 ID FEED HER ARMY
Vice Chancellor Delbruech Assures Correspondent of Associated Press Grain
 Is NOncOntraband

Berlin. February 7-(By Wireless to grain imported from America will not be used for the army the govern ment were given by Vice Chancellor Clemens Delbruech in q statement to- day to the correspondent of the As- sOcfated Press. The vice chancellor de- cIared the regulations under which im- ported grain was subject to sale only to municipalities the grain monopoly organization had been revoked. He an- nounced the governments willingness to entrust It's sale to American or- ganizatfOns for the duration of the war. The absolutely ~noncontraband character of such grain shipments then would be established, he said.
 The vice chancellor said:
 "Bundesraths regulations for dealings in grain and flour, promulgated January 20, did not contemplate the appropriation of grain supplies in favor of the govern ment or German army, but solely its equitable distribution for private con sumption. It is therefore a measure of
  speculation.
 Furthermore, paragraph IS of this reg ulatior reads: The stipulations of this regulation do not apply to grain or flour imported from abroad after January 31.'
 Imported Trade Unrestricted
 Governmental supervision of the grain trade under this ruling is confined to the do i,, toI grain, now, as before, remains unrestrict- ed. The provision whereby imported grain may be sold only to municipalities or spec flied organizations has been rescinded. Although these organizations were in- tended solely to direct imported grain into channels which would read to pri- vate consumption, 1t was thought best to assure neutral powers that under no circumstances would grain imported into Germany be destined for German forces or German administrative bodies. Under these circumstances, therefore, accord ing to the principles of international lag. such grain cannot be regarded as so- called relative contraband. In accord ance herewith the German government had communicated formal assurances to the American government that food prod ucts imported directly or indirectly from lile DIileu SIdleS Into (rer1nany VIII III no wise be placed in this position by the German forces or German administration, but will be placed at the disposal of the German people through free and unre- stricted channels of trade, government agents being debarred from participation therein. The German government also has declared its readiness to deliver trade in such imported food products to Amer ican organizations for the duration of the war"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-08
SECURITY PRICES
 HAVE SHARP BREAK
Advances in Prices of Fin ished Products Helps
 Steel

New York, February 7.-Financial opin. ion found more interest in the commod- ity and bond markets last week than in week, however, prices of most securities broke sharply, partly because of home and foreign liquidation induced by Ger many's proposed extension of the area of naval warfare. Advances in prices of finished products by steel subsidiary helped steel stock. Ease of money and success of railroad bonds issued promised increased demand for steel and stimu- lated hope for the industry as a whole. A further rise in copper metal contrib uted to this feeling.
 The five-fold subscription to the Penn sylvania railroad bond issue, and its rise to premium over subscription price was considered decisive assurance of invest ment conditions
 The wild wheat market was the natural consequence of government measures abroad to control food supplies. Sharp responses to peace rumors or of the open- ing of the Dardanelles proved the para mount influence of the war on the mar ket. Exports continued large and were supplemented by jump in cotton exports to much above last year. This promised maintenance of the favorable trade bal ance, which rose in January far over December figures.
 In consequence of these conditions, for eign exchange dropped back to near the lowest with partial recovery.
 Conferences of finance ministers of the allies foreshadowed war loans, and lat est advices pointed to a second German war loan in the coming month. Heavy business mortalities for January were last years aftermath.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-08

ONE of the most drastic laws yet enacted by the federal Congress O on the sale of drugs. or rather the prohibition of such sale, is that which relates to the production, importation, manufacture compounding. sale, dispens- ing or giving away or opium or coca leaves, their salts, derivatives or prepara- tions, which goes into effect March l. The law provides that each person who sells or distributes the drugs mentioned must be registered with the collector of internal revenue and pay a special priv ilege tax of s1 a year, which tax must sician fails to pay his tax and register he will be violating the law by adminis- tering any of the drugs mentioned to a patient.
 The special tax imposed for the period March 1. 1915. to June 80. 1915 (the close of the special tax year) will be 34 cents, ac- cording to an announcement from Wash ington contained in the regulations of the new law.
 Provides Heavy Penalties
 The penalty for failure to observe the provisions of the law may not exceed a fine of 5000 and five years in prison at the discretion of the court. Having any of the drugs mentioned In ones possession without being properly registered will
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-08
RAILROADS ORDER S1,OOO TONS0F RAIL Contracts For 285,000 Tons Domestic Are Still
 Pending

New York, February 7-Railroads placed orders for S10o0 tons of rails last week. including 270o0 tons for the Chicago and Northwestern, 25.000 tons for the Balti- more and Ohio, 14.000 tons additional for the Erie, $500 tons for the Maine Central, 340o tons miscellaneous and 5000 tons light sections. Contracts for 2S5, 10000 tons are still pending for domestic shipment, in- cluding 40.0o0 tons for the Illinois Gen. tral. That road placed an order for 300 refrigerator cars. Railroad bridge work was light
 Marine work continued encouraging with another order placed for two boats by the Texas company, while six other steamships are under negotiations with eastern yards, including one additional steamship for the Standard Oil company. The prospect for future structural work is improving. Orders were placed this week for 11,0o0 tons of shapes for build ings and bridges, and bids were taken on 10000 tons additional.
 Export business was more active. Great Britain bought 30,00o tons of shrapnel English pipe mills took 100000 tons of skep, more sales of billets and sheets
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-08

ciently large to meet his needs. Just what this would amount to is not esti- mated.
 These who advocate the passage of the bill contend that there are many hotels which have pitlfully inadequate sanitation facilities especially in the small towns of Alabama. It Is at such hotels the bill is aimed, and there is hope that 1t will be enacted into law. The bill provides that the inspector of hotels shall have head quarters and be ready when complaint is made to immediately visit the place com plained of and order such remedial meas ures as he deems necessary. He is vest ed with authority to compel compliance to suggested remedies. The bill would in- clude restaurants, the hotel inspector to cover the ground for both hotels and cafes
 The salesmen's organization also asks for an anti tipping bill, which passed the house by unanimous vote. It provides drastic penalties not only for the man receiving the tip, but for the man who gives such tip, and the proprietor of any whose employe accepts a tip.
 Five representatives of the two sales mens organizations are in Montgomery in the interest of the bills.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-08

"HE travelling men of Alabama have
 presented to the legislature several
 \ bills of interest not only to travel ing salesmen, but to the travelling public generally. The bills have been reported for action.
 One of the proposed bills, which was presented by the United Commercial Travellers and the Travellers Protective association working together, provides for an established rate that railroads may charge for excess baggage, and places that rate at n minimum of 121s per cent of the passenger fare. Thus if the fare for one person should be $1 to a given point, a charge of 121s cents would be made for each 100 pounds of baggage in excess of the 150 pounds allowed under the law
 The advocates of the bill point out that it is as fair as could be, and say that the existing rates are decidedly disad- vantageous to salesmen in that there is no way of knowing just what the rate on excess baggage will be from one point to another There is now no fixed rate for excess baggage, and the charge may be what the railroads care to make it.
 Another bill which salesmen hope to see enacted into law provides that those who
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-08
LETTERS TO EDITOR
Movable School for Negro Farmers

To the Editor of The Age-Hera1d:
 movable school for negro farmers, teachers and ministers of Lawrence and adjoining counties, conducted under the tural department of Auburn and the ag- ricultural division of A. and NJ. college, Normal. Alabama, Prof Walter H. Buch- anan, president, has just closed success full two-days' meeting at the North Ala bama Baptist academy, Courtland.
 The meeting was conducted by Prof. P. c. Parks. in charge of the agricul- lege, assisted by Bessie Gulley, who has charge of the domestic science of Nor nal, and Prof. J. H. Harris. principal of the public schools at Cedar Lake, Nor gan county.
 The attendance both days was large, representing the leading negro farmers, school teachers and preachers.
 Among the prominent visitors were Edi- tor and Manager J. E. Pierce of the Huntsville Daily Times, who delivered an inspiring address, Prof. G. w. Trenholm. principal of the Tuscumbia High School for Negroes; pr. w. E. Sterrs of De- catur, chairman of the board of trustees, North Alabama Baptist academy; Dr. S.. M. Robinson of Decatur. moderator of the Muscle Shoals Baptist association, and the Rev. A. r. owens of Selma uni versty, in charge of the institutes for negro Baptist preachers of Alabama, and who labors under the auspices of the home mission board of the southern Bap- tist convention, white, with headquarters in Atlanta.
 The meeting was one of a series con- ducted by Professor Parks and assistants
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-08
By ELLIS c. HoLLUMs
FARMERS ID TAKE UP D|VERS|F|CAT Winston Farmers in Recep- tive Mood, Says J. F.
 Champion

J. F. Champion, a salesman for Doster- Northington's, who travels Jasper, Win ston county. and other places in that part of the state, says the farmers in his ter ritory are greatly interested in the move ment for crop diversification, and when the campaigners reach Winston they will find the tillers of the soil in a most re- captive mood
 Mir Champion said that already there was a movement to reduce the cotton acreage and farmers were in the right mood to take up properly the work of diversifying their crops. Wheat may be planted Certain it Is that corn and al falfa will come in for a good share of attention. MT. Champion says a fertile field awaits the crop diversifcation teams, working out of the local Cham Der of Commerce.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-08
SCHEUING HOME

F. R. Scheuing of the Turner Electric company reached Birmingham Friday night, after having been on the road for about two weeks--his first experience. He brought not a few orders with him, but didn't remain in the store very long. It also was the first time he had been away from his family, and he was ex- tremely anxious, according to Gewinner. to get home. And home he went
 It is understood the effects of MT. Something's temporary homesickness has completely left him since he reached home
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-08
Appeal for Pisgah Home

To the Editor of The Age-Herald:
 take the liberty to use the columns of your paper to appeal to the public for funds to carry on the work of caring for the inmates of risgah Home. We are caring for a large number. both male and female, and the number is, increasing every day. We turn no one away from our doors, but receive and minister to their wants to the best of our ability. We would be glad to receive contribu- tivns, however small, and same can be sent to me or we will send our collector when notified. Respectfully,
 MRS. NJ. J. WOODS, Superintendent and Matron in Charge. Birmingham, February 6, 1915.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-08
To Collect Street Tax

Eufaula, February 7.--(Special.)--A stringent ordinance providing for the collection of a street tax in Eufaula from all men between the ages tf IS and 45 years has just been passed by the city council to take the place of that which has been in the books for some years. The tax amounts to $3 a year and must be paid before March 1. The city realizes a neat little sum from the collection of this tax, which has run as high as $2500 in some years. The police are now busy .nak ing this years collections.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-08
LA w ON SALE
 OF DRUGS IS PASSED
Federal Law Goes Into Effect March All Physicians Druggists Must Pay Tax and Register Before Selling Opium and Cocaine.

be considered evidence of violation and the burden of proof rests upon the de- fendant.
 Druggists and physicians all are affect ed, and 1t Is suggested that those phy. sicians, including veterinary surgeons pay their tax and register with Collector McNeel before March 1. After that date the books are closed, according to the law.
 The act provides that druggists who sell the drugs shall keep the name and ad- dress of the party purchasing, Keeping such names and addresses where they can be easily reached by government officials for period of two years. If a physi- clan administers opium or any of the drugs mentioned to patient, he must keep a record of the amount adminis- tered and the name of the patient, to- gether with the time the drug was given. This, too, must be kept for two years.
 Those who desire to register must make application on a blank to be furnished by the internal revenue collector, paying the special tax. The collector will sell special forms on which reports of sales must be made, and he is permitted to sell these forms only to those who are regis tered.
 Exemptions of the law apply only to government hospitals, state hospitals, prisons. the army and navy, etc.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-08
PERSONAL

R. R. Phillips, representing the Welch Grape Juice company, was a visitor to the Doster- -Northington company last week. MT. Phillips Is the Alabama repre- sentative of the Welch people.
 John H. Trent of New Orleans, district manager for the H. w. Johns-Manville company. one of the largest hardware concerns In the United States was a wis., itor to Birmingham last week and stopped in at the Turner Electric company.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-08
Treasury Statement

Washington, February 7.-The con- dition of the United States treasury at the close of business yesterday was: Net balance in general fund, $50,975,- TIP; total receipts, $1,605,474; total pay ments. s3,150,S57; the deficit this fiscal year is $76,S98,9S7 against a deficit of $20,040,133 last year, exclusive of Fan- anna canal and public debt transac- tions.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-08

mand continues as to see what effect recent political developments in Flu rope will have. Most cotton shippers believe that the nations at war will henceforth do their utmost to hamper the shipment of cotton into each others territory.
 The declaration Of a naval war zone in British waters on the part of Ger many is a new factor in cotton ship ping, the real results of which cannot Ee foretoId.
 Bullish feeling will be encouraged if cotton continues to go on shipboard at the rate it has during the last week or so.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-08

were made to Europe and the orient, and 2o000 tons of tin plate were taken for South American shipment. Bars, plates and shapes were advanced $1 per ton for shipment after February. Wire was active. The Steel corporation in creased the steel ingot output to 53 per cent of total capacity.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-08
GREENVILLE

Greenville, February 7-(Special.)- )-Mrs. Augustus Stephens died at her home here Friday afternoon. Mrs. Stephens had been in feeble health for a number of months. She was about 8 years of age at the time of her death. She is sur vived by her husband, two little girls and one boy. Funeral services were held Sat urday afternon, and interment was made at Oak Grove cemetery.
 resolution was adopted at a meeting of the City Federation of Womens Clubs on yesterday afternoon against proposed bill at the present legislature decreas- ing the appropriations in the state health department.
 Hyle B. Price of Elba, one of the south S most gifted and prominent orators, deliv- cred a lecture at the Butler county courthouse last evening under the aus pices of the Campfire Girls on Universal Disarmament, Democracy and Peace" Mir. Price also gave a 30-minutes' talk on Mexico"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-08

The opening of the new Hotel Twicken- ham has been definitely set for March l and a banquet will be one of the features of the day and night The building is completed and all of the offices and stores are occupied or contracted for.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-08

dozen farm demonstration agents are here to instruct the farmers of Madison county how to diversity their crops. To- morrow the demonstrators will spread out into all parts of the county to deliver lectures to farmers at many points,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-08

The Decaturs will have a city base ball league this coming season. On next Monday night there will be meet ing held at the Young Mems Christian association hall in New Decatur for the purpose of formulating plans for the formation of the league.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-08
HUNTSVILLE

Huntsville, February 7.--tSpecial.)-The annual meeting of the Tennessee Valley Teachers association came to an end Saturday afternoon after one of the most profitable conventions in the history of the organization.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-08
DECATUR

Decatur, February 7.-(Special.) )--Dr W. E. Hinds. state entomologist who has just paid this county a visit. says that the boil weevil Is due to reach Morgan county in the fall of the year 1919. He says that the farmers of this section should be ready to meet the weevil with diversified crops; that this is the only way to do it. Morgan coun- ty at this time produces about 30,000 bales of cotton annually With the boil weevil here the crop would be reduced to almost nothing, according to Dr. Hinds.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-08

SALESMEN WANT FIXED RATE
 CHARGES ON EXCESS BAGGAGE

Traveng Mems Ask Legislature Pass Bill Excess Baggage At M Per Cent of Passenger Also Want Bill Providing Baggage Railway Stations Without Charge