davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-28
SINKING OF YASAKA ID BE SUBJECT OF
 OFFICIAL INQUIRY
If It Is Established That Submarine Was Austrian Further Complications
 Are Feared

Washington, December a7.--The sinking of the Japanese steamship Yasaka Maru will be made the subject of diplomatic negotiations by the Uni ted States only if it is established that an American citizen was on board. when as described in official advices received today, a submarine Of un- known nationality torpedoed her with cut warning. This became known to- night after the state department had officially announced that it had no record of an American passport hay ing been granted to w. J. Leigh, a sur vivor of the disaster, who has been called in consular and press dispatches an American citizen.
 Should it develop that Leigh actu- ally is an American citizen the state department will feel justified in ad- dressing inquiries to Germany, Austria : Hungary and Turkey in an effort to establish the submarines nationality. 1t is considered practically certain. however, that the craft was Austrian.
 
 that there were no German or Turk ish submarines operating in the Medi- terranean near where the Yasaka Ma ru was attacked.
 State department officials are await ing information in regard to Leigh With considerable anxiety. If he is an American citizen the fact that he was aboard the liner undoubtedly will com plicate the negotiations with Austria over the sinking of the Italian steam ship Ancona.
 The state department today instruct ed Edward Lyell Bristow consular agent at Port Said. to interview Leigh and attempt to determine whether he is an American citizen.
 There have been no developments in the Ancona negotiations and none are expected before the reply of the Vienna foreign office is received probably sometime this week. Officials here do not seek to minimize the seriousness of the situation. as there has been no indication that Austria will accede to the American demands.
 In Vienna the view apparently is i0thCi OPtiAiitStiCs dStOIQlHS to COnIl- dential advices from Ambassador Pen field. The ambassador has cabIed a brief review of -Austro- Hungarian pub lie opinion which makes it appear that the tone of criticism and comment there has softened to marked degree. This is regarded as a development fa- vorable to an amicable adjustment
 official news received today of the tcrpedoing of the French steamer Vile de La Ciotat added still another az gravating circumstance to the situa- ton. While there are believed to have been no Americans on board the French vessel, the incident has served to em- phasize the importance of an imme- diate understanding with Austria as to the right of belligerent warship to sink an enemy merchantman without |warnine and without providing for the safety of passengers and crew,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-28
HIGH AUTHORITY CLAIMS STEEL CORPORATION IS
 MAKING THIS CITY "GOAT'
Claims Gary Dinner is Part of Plan to Punish Democratic Administration and that Birming- ham in Meanwhile Must Be the Chief Sufferer
By HUGH W. ROBERTS

century. The suit against the Steel cor poration was instituted by President Taft
 All evidence had been taken prior to the induction of President Wilson. When the decree was rendered. the adninistra- tion, in justice to itself and the corpora tion, had no other course to pursue than appeal. 1t could not have it said that the. suit, instituted by republican President had been dropped by q democratic Presi- dent. and the corporation with every in dication that 1t would win, would have In wisdom insisted on an appeal in order that an ever enduring verdict might be acquired and in order that unfriend.y action by Congress might be avoided
 "As far as we can see, there is no cause why the Steel corporation should not pro- ceed. There is every reason to believe that the case will he decided against the government but even should the reverse obtain the Corporation would still retain complete control of the Tennessee Coal. Iron and Railroad company as one of it's chief subsidiaries or principal creditors.
 "On the contrary. the corporation is ap- parently miffed Birmingham suffers be- cause development Is indefinitely delayed and other territory in which the corpora tion is interested blossoms like the roses. And to cap the climax, they hold the Gary dinner tos Roosevelt during which in all probability plans We're laid to rehuka oP discredit the democratic administration :
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-28

Washlngton, December 27-(Specias) ) The official family. believing that the Gary dinner to Roosevelt was anti-ad- ministration in tendency If not in charac- ter, and the result of the Steel corpora tions anger in that the dissolution suit was appealed to the supreme court, is deeply interested in the plight of Birming- ham incident to the corporations stoppage of development in Alabama.
 Today it was officially stated by high authority to Alabamians living in Wash ington that the Steel corporation is mak- ing Birmingham goat" and in substan- tiation of that assertion it was pointed out that whereas 9 years ago Alabama pro- duced one-fifth Of American pig iron. 1t produces at the present only one-twen- tieth, and that whereas the corporation appropriated E. .so0.0Oo for Bil mingham de- velopment in 1915 1t expended only $s2a,o0c. and that in a benzol plant capable of yielding a quick return.
 Tt is matter of record. continued this authority. ythat the present admin lstration has been less aggressive against corporations than any other admnistra- ton since tho beginning Of the current
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-28

One of the surprises of yesterday swas the heavy vote against the amend fment cast by the city boxes. In cities lover the state the amendment se- icured majorities which ordinarily were tcut down by returns from the country slistricts.
 ! Indications last night were that lief sserson county would vote against the NAmendment, Bessemer reporting ma NBority of 132 against the measure.
 T Among the counties giving majori-
 1ies to the amendment were Pickens.
 Montgomery, Butler Chiffon, Marion,
 yMarengo, Baldwin, Perry, Etowah,
 Madison and Calhoun. Counties going
 Ssgainst the amendment by small major, |Ities were Morgan, Lee, Geneva and St. Blair.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-28
CABINET NOT HARMONIOUS
 0N CONSCR|PT|0N LllOyd-GeOrge Threatens to Resign Unless Asquith Makes Good Promises
 to Married Men

London, December 27-That the proceedings of the British cabinet have not been going smoothly is seen in the fact that after a two hours sitting to- day the council was obliged to ad- journ until tomorrow, no decision hav- ing been reached as to voluntary re- oruiting or compulsion and the dis cussion having revealed grave differ ences of opinion,
 The Times parliamentary cores pondent asserts that the position is aundeniably delicate and may become ciitica! tomorrow unless handled with frmness and decision
 The Daily Mail asserts that An. drew Bonar Law, secretary for the colonies. and Lord Kitchener. the wal minister. have not yet made their DO sitions clear, while "A. ]. Balfour first lord of the admiralty, resolutely op- pose compulsion, in which he is sup ported by a majority of the ministers But David Lloyd George, the Marquis of Lansdowne Earl Curzon. Sir Fred erick Smith. |. Austen Chamberlain Walter Hume Long and the Earl o! Selborne advocate immediate compul. sion.
 MT. Lloyd George, the Mail adds. be- fore the sitting of the council made his position clear to PremierAAsquitf in message intimating that unless MT. Asquith's pledge to married mer be kept in the strictest sense he coult not conntiue as a member of the gov, ef nmerff
 The Morning Post equally with tht Times and the Daily mail--all conscrip tionist papers-see the possibility of sev eral cabinet resignations or the other al formative. a general election.s
 The Morning Telegraph and the Chron icle. anticompulsion organs, also are ap prehensive of a crisis or general cleo ton.
 The Chronicle editorially protests against "intrigures and wire pullers wht contemplate the desperate and mad ex pedient of general election-a gambler plunge which might entail disastrous con sequences, and points out how. by mere ly withholding it's assent to the Parlia ment and registration. bills the House Q Lords can make elections unavoidable next month since, in the absence of tn Parliament bill which prolongs its life fol eight months, the present Parlamen would expire by the effluxion of time a the end of January.
 Concerning the people who make g
 tContinued on Page Tweiss,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-28
STATE APPARENTLY VOTES HOME RULE FOR BIRMINGHAM
 IN THE TAX AMENDMENT ELECTION HELD YESTERDAY
Birmingham Gives Majority of Almost Too to One Against Measure and Indications Are That Jefferson Will Also Go Against Proposal-Vote Is Hardly Ten Per Gent of Normal, and General Apathy Marks the Election.

Returns from the state from the election submitting the amendment the constitution giving citizens of Birmingham the right increase their taxes mills at their discretion Indicate the amendment has been carried despite the fact that Birmingham gave majority of almost two to against the Hmeasure.
 General apathy featured the election and hardly 10 per cent 1o the normal cast In Birmingham, for instance, ota of 2968 when the city ordinarily close to 10000 The light all the stae boxes ordinarily vong 700 and 800 reporting but 5 to 100 votes So great Jthe apathy indeed that it difficult gather
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-28
TODAY'S AGE-HERALD

:. 1--Alabama votes for tax amendment. Pan-Americanism in welcome ad-
 dress.
 Indian forces are withdrawD.s Aged Seryian King 1goes to Italy. 2-Gregory asked for opinion by
 board. 3-Donnie Driver is shot and killed. Editorials. 5-Talks on highway to the Warrior. Tennessee pastor accepts call to
 South Highlands.
 Confederate veterans to see 'sThe
 Birth of Nation as guests of
 The Age Herald 6--Society- 7-Much interest in meeting Friday. 8--Sports.
 Servia. 1c Cotton mills to De built in Tien-
 tsin. sThe Birth of | Natir--
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-28
Winston Spencer Churchill
 Suddenly Returns to Eng land and Cabinet Crisis Is a Matter of Few Hours
BRITISH WAR OFFICE DENIES STATEMENTS
 OF TURK SUCCESSES
Russians Are Having Minor Successes in Persia-Re- sumption of German Sub- marine Activity

London, December 27--Tbc departure ''anethcr field of action" was the most important feature of the days news, so far as the British public is con- cerned. Whether the new field of action is Egypt or Mesopotamia is not am nounced. In both these theatres there are presumably already considerable bodies of Indian troops.
 It is assumed that the places of the Indians in France have been. filled by drafts from the new armies raised on the soil of the United Kingdom.
 In connection with tonight's an- nouncement it is worth noting the larger and more important share the youthful Prince of Wales is taking in the business of the empire. It is ex- pected that the British public, both home and colonials. will read with a peculiar sense of national pride the Kings words to the Indian veterans: Before you leave France I send my dear. gallant son. the Prince. of Wales. who has shared with my armies Inc dangers and hardships of the cam. paign. to thank you in my name.r
 STATEMENT IS DENIED
 The Turkish official communication sent out today which contained claims to successes in the Egyptian theatre, called forth an official denial from the press bureau which states that there has been no fighting between the Brit ish and the Arabs except a British attack on the principal Arab force near Mersa Matura, which was dispersed with trifling loss to our troops" ac cording to the British version.
 The Turkish version says the Turk took the offensive and killed 300 Brit ish. put the remainder to flight and captured a quantity of booty.
 The news from the other war fronts continues to show no important de velopments. The Russians are winning successes againsteweaker enemy hostile forces in Persia; the British in south Persia have had some severe fighting with the Turks without materially al tering the situation; the allies at Sa- lonilli contemplate their nearly com. pleted Qualifications with the utmost satisfaction: on the west front there is little to report except minor artil- lery and bombvhg operations.
 The resumption of German subma- rine activity is evidenced by the sink ing of a half dozen ships in the past 24 hours, with the joss of so lives in the case of the French steamer ville de La Ciotat, while two boat loads of the crew are missing in the case oi the Belgian steamer Ministre Bern aert.
 CHURCHILL RETURNS
 Although today was a holiday ir England, the members of the British
 (ContInued on Page I've e,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-28
!. MARION

Guin, December 27.--(Speciai.)--Gu Necilict gives Rirrnjnghan amendment slajority of %. The school tax amend
 nent carried by to l. Six precincts in lIarion county give school tax amend |nent majority of about ? to l. Both amendments will probably carry in the sounty. A good vote was boiled.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-28
GENEVA

Samson, December 27.-(Special.) Al though the constitutional amendment was carried in Samson by vote of ? to l. meager returns indicate that the issue was defeated in the county, as county boxes are reported to be going
 against it. Complete returns from seven beats out of 23, which includes Sam son, Geneve, Hartford. Coffee Springs and Black, show 15S for and 110 against.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-28
Impressive Opening of the Second Pan-Amer Scientific Congress at Washington
.SUAREZ TALKS ON
 MONROE DOCTRINE
 ASA TIE OF UNION'
President Wilson's Sends Mes sage to Congress of Hope and Appreciation of Its Work and Endeavors

Washington, Dectmber 27 Pan Americanism, character ized by Secretary Lansing in his address of welcome as the expression of the idea of in- ternationaIism," was the cen tral thought in the speeches to- day at the opening of the sec ond Pan American Scientific congress.
 Men and women from all the rs
 lies of the two Americas attended session in Continental Memorial iE of the Daughters of the American olution. There were more than 10 of them, including official delea
 guests of the Carnegie endowment
 many others prominent in sciencd other fields4 pf investigations Tc
 row they will begin the serious of the congress in subsectiona
 ings to continue for 12 days Fi 0 other societies meeting here durin he same period will hold frequent A sessions with sections of the sciel
 congress.
 Vice President Marshal welcome,
 visitors after John Barrett, drector d eral of the Pan-American union, Ind troduced Eduardo Suarez Mujica. al sador of Chile, the president of thd i- gress, Secretary Lansing spoke Il le name of the government that had il the scientists to meet here, and Al sador Suarez in response emphasize better understanding created betwee 9s governments of I.atin-Amerca and United States
 MARSHALL SPEAKS Mir. Marshall took the plaec of e- ident Wilson, away on his wedding And l shall not apologize for the
 idents absence he said after thl planation "In the presence of le,t science is silent ! am quite sure l au- dress no man who has 'pved. who does love. or who hopes to love who does not wish for the President years of happi- ness After welcoming the guests in the name of the nation the Vice, President said word about preparedness to de- fend the rights of the Americas. q am one of those men wlio believe in preparation for war, he said Not
 that ] want war because the dream and the prayer of my life is that we shall
 keep out of war, but know myself [ am not willing to have some ruffian in- tContin"cd on Page TyeIvel
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-28
BUTLER

Greenville, December 27.-(Special) The vote on the Birmingham tax amend ment election is the heaviest that has ever been polled in the county for many years. Indications arc that the county will go for the amendment. Box 1 in the Greenville precinct is solid for the amendment Box 2 is about equally divided
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-28

gomery county today on the constitu- tional amendment to authorize the city of Birmingham to levy a tax rate not exceeding $1.50 on every $100, an in crease of 50 cents, the returns from the various polls of the county show. for amendment 1S9, against [. Only a small number of persons ap- parently were aware of the election and the total number of votes cast was very small. eSss
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-28
ETOWAH

Gadsden, December 27.-(Special.) ) Fadsden voted for the Birmingham tax
 |mendment, 126 to 69. There was lit Fle interest in the election, less than
 10 per cent of the vote being east. |labama City gives 47 to 32 and At |alla 55 to 21 for the amendment.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-28
CHILTON

Clanton. December --(Special.) Incomplete returns from the county at large indicate that the Birmingham amendment carried by small majority. A very light vote was cast.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-28
MADISON

Huntsville, December 2..--- Especially Ecattered reports from Madison county boxes, tonight indicate that the Bir- Eningham amendment won by vote of E to 1. The vote was very light.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-28
PERRY
Marion
.(Special.). !.

Marion, December 27.-- (Specia1) Two polling precincts in Marion give .or tax amendment 12S. against 8. Nine lut of l6 rural boxes indicate total vote If 800 with zoo majority for amend lent
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-28
BALDWIN

Bay Minette, December 27.--tSpe- Eial. )--Baldwin county vote was very | ght. It is believed to favor amend
 bent by fair majority.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-28
FOR
 TEXAS AND PACIFIC
 RAILROAD IS ASKED
Hearing Is Set for January 31 at Dallas, Texas, Before Judge
 Meek

Dallas, Tex, December 27.-Receiver- ship for the Texas and Pacific Railway company was asked in a petition filed here today by the Bankers Trust com pany of New York, through their local attorneys Locke & Locke. Default in payment of interest on bonds is alleged
 Hearing was set for January 31 by Judge E. R. Meek in United States court for the northern district of Texas. Attorneys for the railroad served notice they would contest the receivership The petition also included the New Orleans Railway company, a Texas and Pacific property.
 The petition alleged default on inter- est and principal of $14000,000 second mortgage bonds issued originally in 1888 for s25, 100000 and since reduced.
 George l. Gould is chairman of the board of directors of the Texas and Pa cfic which operates mainly in Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-28
MARENGO

DemopoIis, December 27.-tSpecial.) |n the election held here today to de-
 Hide the Birmingham amendment elec- on the vote cast was 109. The amend Elent carried in the Demopolis pre- finct, l01 and 8 against At Jeffer- Ion. in this county, known as precinct l2 votes were cast, for and ,
 Igainst. Old Springhill also, in Ma
 .sngo county. 13 for and 1 against.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-28
PICKENS

Reform. December 27.-(Special. )
 Pickens county gave g small majority in favor of the Birmingham amendment.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-28
MORGAN

New Decatur, December 7.-(Speeial., Early returns tonight forecast the de feat of the Birmingham amendment 1T Morgan county by an estimated majori- ty of more than 200. The six precincts 9r Decatur and New Decatur gave tht
 (COntfnued on Page Twelve.)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-28
MONTGOMERY

Montgomery. December 27.-( Special, lthough a light vote was dast in Mont
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-28
UNDER FEDERAL CHARTER

The Texas and Pacific railway operates under federal charter. The road was constructed in the seventies and its main lines extend from New Orleans to El Paso. Officials of the road here said the filing of the suit was complete sur prise.
 The complete details for the diversion of the funds alleges after the payment of, all operating expenses of the road ,the complainant is asking for full ac- counting of money expended by the de- fendant. a revision of the accounts in tEeir favor; foreclosure and sale of all properties mentioned under the sec ond mortgage, from which they desire payment of their claim.
 Nine Texas railroads already are in receivership as follows:
 A Missouri, Kansas and Texas St. Louis and San Francisco; Trinity and Brazos Valley; Missouri. Oklahoma and Gulf; International and Great North- ern; San Antonio, Uvalde and Gulf; Kansas City, Mexico and Orient; Fort Worth and Rio Grande. and Gulf Coast lines.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-28
TO INSURE RIGHTS

New York, December 27-The bill asking receivership for the Texas and Pacific Railway company, filed at Dallas, Tex, today by the Bankers Trust company of New York, as trustee of the second. or income mortgage of the railroad. is intended to ascertain and enforce the rights under that mortgage of the trustee and bond holders. according to statement is sued here by Alexander & Green. att torneys for the trust company.
 The petition was filed at the.request of B. F. Bush. receiver of the St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern railway, which is the owner, subject to pledge, the statement adds, of more than S23,- 0O0,0O of the 325,0O0.000 bonds issued under the mortgage. The bill alleges that for number of years the in come from operations instead of being applied to payment of the interest on the Income bonds, has been used for Improvements betterments and other purposes.
 George ]. Gould is president of the Texas and Pacific, a property which has been controlled by the Gould fam fly since the days of Jay Gould The company was reorganized without foreclosure in 1888. Recent authorita- tive figures show that the Missouri Pacific. which Is also in sthe hands of a receiver. and allied lines owned 36.- 555. 900 of the Texas and Pacific's out standipE eharegs
The Cordova daily times., 1915-07-20
q TANDARD O|L EMPLOYEES
 LIN STRIKE AT BAyONNE / ENGLISH SHIPS DELAYED
Special to The Times By Associated Press.

NEW YORK, July 2O.-An the worEmen employed at the Bayonne, N. J plant of the Stand ard Oil Company went on strike today. The men on strike, who number 5,000 declare that they are entitled to higher wages and demand a share in the increased profits that the company is making through the heavy shipments being made to the warning nations in Europe They state that the cost of living is constantly increasing and that the last year two has marked increase in the prices of necessities of life without corresponding increase in wages This situation according to the union leaders is longer necessary as the plant is working to its capacity, dull times are gOne and larger prices being received for the product. The employees of the adjoining Tidewater plant are still at work, but patiently restless, and it is feared will walk out and join the strikers. The men who quit at Bayonne confidently assert that the Tide water employees will quit in few days There are at Bayonne six vessels destined for England, which cannot get away get loaded unless the men return to work, or strike breakers are secured