davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-12
DEFICIT IN CANAL TOLLS CAUSED BY EARTH SLIDES

FTOm the NeW Ork Times.
 Washington.-The slide at Gaillard cut on the Panama canal is costing the gov ernment many thousands of dollars day iii loss of tolls. A serious deficit has al- ready appeared which must be taken care of by Congress in the appropriations at the coming session. Fo rfour months the canal had been making money over and above outgo for maintenance and opera ton. The excess of tolls over expendi- lures for these two items at the end of July was $117,57O In August came the slide and in a fortnight deficit of $63.- IF had been made, so that the net earn ings of the canal this year were at that time cut down to $54, ,392
 This small balance has been wiped out and a good deal more since. The dredg- ing this year in Gaillard Cut has cost $257, ,593. The whole cost of repairing the damage done by the present slide may run up to over $50O,000
 The decision of the government to sus- pend the graduated schedule of rates for freight crossing the isthmus by rail dur ing this year in Gaillard cut has cost by the slide at Gallard cut has been re- ceived with outspoken qualification by vessel owners. The railroad company has risen to the emergency in a liberal man ner, and every facility is being placed at the command of shippers. The flat rate of 43 cents a ton for the haul across the isthmus covers a great amount of work over and above the mere hauling on beard the car. Wharfage. craning, steve doring and all handling are included in the rate This is done to minimize the delay as much as possible.
 The Panama Railroad company has ad- vised all transportation shippers that during the period that the present emer- gency rate is effective steamers will have free berthing at Cristobal and Balboa and be allowed free use of the cranes at the piers there without regard to the rates in the railroad company s tariff. Cargoes are stevedored by the railroad company into and out of steamers and carried across the isthmus in sealed cars. No check as to quantity condition is made and no receipts are exchanged at receiving or delivering points, the rail- road company asking to be relieved from all responsibility in view of the ex- tremely low rate and the amount of service performed.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-12
OFFENSES AGAINST NEUTRALITY WILL
 BE INVESTIGATED
New Organization Has Been Created to Gather Evi- dence Against Viola
 tors in America

Washington. December 11-A central organization for gathering evidence of offenses against the neutrality of the United States has been created as the first step in the federal governments 8 determination to more stringently enforce neutrality, outlined by President Wilson in his address to Congress.
 The postoffice department, the state de- partment the department of justice and the treasury department will join in gathering information which will uni formly be assembled and acted on in the state department under the direction of Counselor Polk.
 This plan was decided upon at a con ference between Counselor Polk, Chief Flynn of the secret sercice, Chief Post office Inspector Rooms and Assistant At torney General Warren, who handles neutrality cases in the department of justice.
 Heretofore there has been no uniformity of action between the various agencles of the government having to do with suppression of conspiracies against the nations neutrality. Each department has acted independently and in some instances it is felt that the results achieved have been curtailed by the lack of co-ordinated procedure. In some instances also lack of a central organization for handling the great quantity of evidence, some of
 it valuable, and some of it worthless has resulted in difficult situations for other branches of the government
 Hereafter all evidence of that character will be transmitted to Counselor Polk and the state department will determine the questions Of policy and diplomacy which surround almost every case.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-12
J. 5. PRESS REPORTS EXCITE: GERMANS IN
 TIE CITY OF MEXICO
Rum0rs That TeutOns Have Participated in Plots to Embroil U. s. With
 Mexico Denied

Mexico City, December 7.-(By Mail to Laredo, Tex, December 11.)-The German colony of Mexico City has been grcatly excited by the receipt here in American newspapers of rumors and charges that Germans have participated in the inter- nal affairs of Mexico in an attempt to Goment further revolution and embroil the United States and Mexico, with the ob- ject of checking shipments of munitions to the allies.
 Hugo Hahn, general manager of the Mexico City branch of the German South American bank of Berlin, through which institution $S15,OOO in gold was transferred to Valparaiso, Chile to be used in buy ing cartridges at the time of the Huerta regime, declared today that the trans action was purely one of business entered into with no desire to foment trouble.
 Mr. Hahn said he simply undertook the transfer of the money to Valparaiso be- cause the National Bank of Mexico had no correspondent there. The money was sent payable to the order of Adolph Marx, German citizen, who was acting as an agent for Huerta.
 Marx, he saic, through the firm of Yer 0- 37, ,000, 900 cartridges from the Chilean gov ernment, GOO being the price agreed on. MT. Hahn declared the deal fell through when the banks Chilean corre- spondent asked for authority to pay the balance of the original sum, $160,o00. to Marx.
 Hahn said his bank refused to do this, although authorized by the then MeNi- can government. Then the original s655, GOO was returned to the Valparaiso branch of the German South American bank. To straighten the matter out, he said he sent representative to Valparaiso who later laid the matter before the Ger Tan amba ssador at Washington, who, in turn, gave the facts to the American state department, He said his representative informed him that the Chilean govern II ent denied ever having sold ammuni- ton, refusing delivery until Mexico was at peace.
 He also informed me that the Ameri- can ambassador at the Chilean capita
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-12
Deaths and Funerals
Mai. John T. Williamson

News of the death of Maj John Y Will iiamson of the Confederate army, and one of the most prominent men in Tennessee, has been received in Birmingham by Mrs. w. c. Rader, daughter of the deceased. Major Williamson died at his home in Columbia, Tenn, Friday morning at 1 o'clock. He had been ill since Thanks giving, although it was not thought that he was critically ill Funeral services over the remains of the deceased were held in Columbia yesterday morning at 10:S0 o'clock.
 Prominent men from all over the state of Tennessee came to Columbia to pay their respects to the gallant major The deceased volunteered at the outbreak of the civil war and served with distinction, throughout the struggle After the war Major Williamson took up the practice of law and had been member of the Tennessee bar for the last half century. He served in the legislature of Tennessee and was couA*~ chairman of the demo-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-12
EOOTLIGIYTS0 0 AA -AnD 6REHN
By RICHARD F. LusslEn

There were enthusiastic crowds that attempted to force their way into the Colonial theatre, which opened yesterday with Triangle pictures "The Golden Claw" was the initial offering, in which Bes- sic Barriscale was starred, and this Ince Triangle feature met with much appreciation from the hun- dreds of movie patrons that were able to wedge themselves within the confines of this handsome new theatre.
 Everyone admired the artistic decorations. The mural frieze was of old rose, in contrast with gray and there was quiet, honey com fortable atmosphere about the lit tie theatre that made this addi- tion to the photoplay houses of Birmingham most welcome.
 Today the Colonial theatre will have as an attraction. "Nedra,' a Animation of George Barr Me Cutcheons romantic novel in which George Probert and Fania Marinoff are co-stars.
 Louise Glaum, the Vampire Lady" of the films will appear at the Strand today in "The For bidden Adventure" a feature of the Orient and its mysteries. Louise Glaum is quite a favorite with local screen patrons for her work
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-12
SMITH SPEAKS TODAY
At Y. M. C. A. on "A Characters
 Descent Into the MaelstrOm"

Senator George H. Smith of Luverne will speak at the Young Mems Christian association today at 3:30 p. m. His sub ject is a very striking one, namely, "A Chara cter's Descent Into the Maelstrom. D
 Senator Smith has had an unusual ca reer. His rise to prominence during the last few years was largely through his Identification with the prohibition move ment. He made a profound impression when he spoke in Birmingham last spring at the great mass meeting in the Orpheum theatre called for the purpose of ratify- ing the prohibition measures enacted by the legislature. He is a splendid speaker and will be heard by a large crowd.
 The West End Male quartet which made such favorable impression at the Bryan meeting, will furnish special mu- sic. Ali the men of the city are invited. The meeting will be entirely free.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-12
GREENVILLE

Greenville, December 1.-(Special.)-The first annual convention of the Southwest ern District Baptist Young Peoples union opened here today Joseph E. Jernigan of Spring Hill is presiding.
 J. c. Borum of Birmingham, field sec- retary of the Alabama Baptist Sunday school, and Baptist Young Peoples union board, is giving instructions in the Bap- tist Young Peoples union manual Mir Borum is a splendid speaker and he has wide knowledge of the workings and or ganization of the Baptist Young People $ union.
 The Zion Methodist annual conference continues to be the attraction for the col ored people of Greenville and surround ing country.
 The services last night were devoted to missions, and a substantial public col lection was taken. At this service the Rev. J. w. Woof, missionary secretary, who has travelled extensively in Africa, addressed the conference. He made a strong appeal for the spreading of the gospel in all foreign lands.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-12
A. N. Hawkins

Funeral services over the remains of A. N. Hawkins, pioneer citizen of this city, who passed away Friday morning at 9:45 o'clock, at his late residence, 1886 Huntsville avenue, will be conducted from the residence this afternoon at 3 o'clock. Interment will follow in Oak Hill cemetery. The Rev. A. J. Dickinson, pastor of the First Baptist church, will officiate The deceased is survived by his widow, three sons, Johnston, Nat and Guy Hawkins and two daughters. The following will act as pallbearers: Active, w. l.. Woodruff, J. r. Baldwin, Dr. Charles A. Brown, Charles A. Jones' w. s. Ramseur and J. M. Meighan. The honorary pallbearers were selected from the members of Jefferson Valley lodge, Knights of Pythias. as follows: Sam M. Blake, w. B. Edmond, w. l.. Trice. l.. J. Maley, Louis Saks and w. M. Manley.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-12

cratic convention for a number of terms. He served as Postmaster of Columbia Under the administration of Grover Cleve- land. He was active in all church affairs and had been a life long member of the Presbyterian church.
 In commenting on the death of Major Williamson, the Columbia Daily Herald said
 No more gallant soldier ever wore the uniform of the Confectionery. He was ready for every duty of field or camp and held the entire confidence and love of all his comrades. He fought with rare de- votion to duty and won upon many bat tlefields the cross of honor of the Confed- crate soldier, his most prized possession" /"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-12
Gold in India
he Washington Star.

From the Washington Star.
 For many years London has been steadily drained of her gold by India. since 1906 India has absorbed from circulation one hundred and fifty mill lion gold sovereigns and hoarded them away The coolie has learned that sil. yer rupees are a poor investment as- pec1ally if he melts them into anklets or nose ring for his wife, as over go per cent of the silver is lost in the melting pot, while the gold soyer- elgn preserves its value whether he Keeps 1t as coin or melts it. When a coolie collects 15 rupees which he finds to be temporarily surplus he hrvs sovereign with it. He has come to understand the wisdom of hoarding away only the gold coin which he knows he can always realize on at it's original value
 It is the belief of Indian economists
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-12

in Tine Toast of Death and in "The Iron Strain.'
 The Ivory Snuff Box" pho- toplay of intrigue and European diplomacy, is the offering at the Trianon for today. Holbrook Blinn, the celebrated stage star. will play the leading role, and this promises to be one of the sig nal successes to be seen at the Tri- anon this month. It is a feature produced by the World Film com pany.
 Darling Dandy" with Ruth Stonehouse and John Lorenz, will head the bill at the Princess for today Other pictures today at the Princess are How John Came Home" with MT. and Mrs. Sidney Drew, and "The Wilson's Breezy Suit with John Mckee.
 @*
 "The Wayward Son" is the of fering of the Odeon One for today. William Hinckley is starred in this Mutual feature. John Daly Mur- phy is also starred in "A Tangle in Hearts" Rialto feature,
 At the Odeon Two the noted comedians, Weber and Fields. will appear in "The Best of Enemies.' q Triangle Keystone farce. Mary Pickford will also be shown in "A Mender of Nets" Biograph re- issue.
 If in doubt attend the movies today.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-12
Whisky Traffic Stopped

Tuskegee, December u.-(SpeciaL Ut has been suspected for some days that whisky was passing through Tuskegee en route from Columbus, Ga. to Montgom- cry. The sheriff of this county decided to stop this traffic and went out after it. The first haul brought in three white men and an automobile loaded with whisky and last night the sheriff landed two more loaded automobiles. So the first days work resulted in the three automobiles, the arrest of six white men and one ne gro, and the confiscation of 29 cases of whisky. The officers are being heartily congratulated on the splendid way in which they have handled the situation
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-12
I. C. Orr

Funeral services over the remains of J. C. Orr, aged 66, a pioneer citizen of Birmingham, who died Friday morning ct 5:30 o'clock at his late residence, 1920 Thirteenth avenue, north will be con- ducted from the residence this afternoon at ? o'clock. Interment will be at Elm wood cemetery. The Rev. J. A. Bryan will officiate. The deceased is survived by his widow and son, Raymond P. Orr The following will act as pail bearers: Judge c. c. Nesmith, James Null holland, w. P. Copeland Walter l.. Met calfe, R. E. Middleton and c. M. Dyer
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-12

that if this drain of gold from London had been stopped some years ago, the general financial position of Great Brit air would be far better. The gold re- serves should be held entirely or to 8 much greater extent in London. and if there is to be hoarding it should be of notes and rupees and not gold.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-12

No surprise store for those who the way the wind blowing
 Not disp,raging word uttered against Truss candidacy.
 He is first choice of majority and second choice of most others
 The big city is for Truss the suburbs for Truss. All because Birmingham needs the services of like Trussa real builder cOnstructions sound and honest Not politician with friends to reward enemies to punish. Not an agitator.
 Cool and deliberate Truss looks mpartaly all sides of public questions lie is for fair and square deal all around -and that is all honest voters ask
 With confidence in the discriminatory judgment of Bir- minglam electorate submit the of J. D. Truss as candidate for City Commissioner Election Monday, 18th.
 J. D. TRUSS CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE. Paid Political Advertisement.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-12
E. J. Contas

Funeral services over the remains of E. J. Contas, aged 2S, who committed sui eide Friday afternoon at 4:25 o'clock in the American Trust and Savings bank building, will be conducted from Johns private chapel this morning at Il o'clock. Interment will follow in Oak Hill ceme- tery. The Masons will be in charge of the funeral services. The deceased is survived by his father, two sisters and two brothers.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-12
Jack I. LaPage

Jack J. LaPage, aged 40 years, died last night at S:30 o'clock at his late resi- dence, 2436 Birch avenue, Fairview Mr. LaPage was ill only two days with pneu- monia. The remains will be sent to E,utaw and funeral services will be conducted there tomorrow afternoon The deceased is survived by his widow, one son and two daughters.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-12
Mrs. Lilly G. Smith

Funeral services over the remains of Mrs. Lilly z. Smith, who died Friday morning at 3:30 o'clock, will be conducted today at o'clock, from the family resi- dence, 7Sl6 Burney avenue. Interment will follow in the East Lake cemetery
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-12
John S. Cheathan

Hill died yesterday afternoon in local infirmary at S:30 o'clock. The remains were sent to Carbon Hill last night at Il 20 o'clock by Lige Loy for jnterment
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-12
Prospects Doubtful

From Judge.
 Penelope-Did the play have a happy ending?
 Percival-How should l know?
 Penelope-You saw 1t, didn't you? Percival-Yes, but the hero and the heroine married each other.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-12

became active in the matter. Although the matter is now in the courts at sIIam- burg, we will undoubtedly be able to return the money originally transferred by us,' said MT. Hahn.
 This was a plain business deal, and far from trying to foment trouble, we have done everything in our power to see that the Carranza government gets the money involved"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-12
FRENCH CRUISERS ACTIONS ID CAUSE
 PROTEST FROM J. 5.
Searching of Three Vessels and Removal of Teutons ArOuses Ire of State
 Department

Washington, December 1.-The state department announced today that the stopping and searching of three yes sels of the New York and Porto Rico line by the French cruiser Descartes would be made the subject of diplo- matic representations to France The department received official advices to- 6ay from san Juan of the incidents.
 The advices which came from the collector of customs at San Juan said that six men, all either German or Austrian subjects, had been taken from the three vessels. Two native Ger mans who had taken out American cit izenship papers, it was said, were not molsted aboard the Coamo.
 PREVIOUS PROTEST
 X vigorous protest is being prepared by the state department against the removal by the French cruiser Des- cartes of Germans and Austrians from the American steamships Carolina, Coamo and San Juan. The note will contend that removal of citizens of any nation from an American vessel on the high seas is without legal Justifica- tion.
 It will D. asserted in the note, as it was a year ago in a protest to France in the case of August Pipenbrink, that the men removed were not embodied
 n the armed forces of the enemy" in the sense of that term in that estab- lished international law. The commit nication, it was understood. probably will declare also that there is no justi- fcation for the removal of an enemy subject from a neutral vessel on the high seas bound to a neutral port even if he could properly be regarded as a military person. The Trent case during the civil war probably will be cited as a precedent.
 The state department was not ad vised whether any of the Austrians or Germans seized had declared their in tention of becoming American citizens. Information on that point is being sought and should it develop that such is the case the protest may be even more firm.
 SUMMARY OF CASE
 The facts in the case already at hand were summed up in this statement issued by the department late today:
 ''rhe department has received reports from the collector of customs at San Juan, Porto Rico, indicating that three ships of the New York and Porto Rico line have been stopped on the high seas and searched by the French cruiser Descartes. The steamship Carolina, northbound, was stopped six miles off San Juan and the German chief stew ard named Schade was taken off by the boarding officer. The steamer was al . lowed to proceed north after delay of about two hours.
 "The steamer Coamo, southbound, was stopped about 20 miles off shore by two shots acros sher bow and the following persons taken off by the boarding party: J. Luscor Dutter, Antoin r. Doliorch Austrians of the engine room: and H Kruger. German of the stewards de- partment It appears that other Germans in the crew with American citizenship papers were not molested
 The steamship San Juan, southbound is reported to have been stopped north east of Porto Rico and two second cabin passengers, William Guntherodt and Fritsch Lothar, German subjects, taken off the ship
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-12
Very Likely

From the Louisville Courier-Journal
 "All seems gayety at ball Yet suppose many a lady who is dancing here tonight has heart that is ach- ing" E
 'Yes, or a couple of corns.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-12
Not Interested

Who was it.. inquired the student, that said after me, the deluge?' ''
 Don't ask me rejoined the superf- cial person. 'J never did pay much at tention to weather prophets
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-12
A Good Furnace

"The body is a furnace and the food we take is fuel"
 Very capable furnace. too. Some manage to keep it going on ice cream soda"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-12

White enamel with nice size mirror; conveniently arranged shelf for medicines, etc The bathroom is not complete with out one.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-12

(Just like mamma's.) Has rubber tires, adjustable back with large three-bow hood, and folds up like the big ones.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-12

You may read, rest, sew or sleep with perfect ease-a haven of rest for the whole family. Sliding footrest with concealed newspaper rack Others in tapestry, tan and black leather, all the wood finishes.
 We Carry KELLY COMFORT CHAIRS
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-11-28
$50 FARMERS GO ABROAD.
q n Il n via ms sailing o Home
with Fronts on Crops Here.

Two hundred and fifty farmers Of the
great grain States of the middle West.
carrying with them the receipts In cash
OF their crops Of last summer and fall,
sailed yesterday on the Norwegian
American liner Bergensfjord to spend
Christmas In their homelands-Norway.
Sweden and Denmark. Many of them
had bankrolls 40 large as to be positively
cumbrous. yet all but a slight minority
chose the humble steerage accommodate
lions In which they made their first trip
to this country.
The Bergensfjord was only one Of the
many vessels which are beginning now
to carry home throngs of northern i'm
migrants for the holidays. When Henry
Ford converts the Oscar II. into a peace
argosy he will he forced to carry with
him $50 husky Minnesota agriculturists
who ave already engaged passage by
her. Other ships going to C~hrlstiansand.
Christiania and Bergen will have big
passenger lists for the next few weeks.
Practically all OF them will be back
soon after New Years or in the early
spring.