davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-06
APPENDICITIS WAS
 LIRE KINGS MALADY
Operation Performed in Bal timOre and Specialists Are
 Hopeful of Recovery

Word reached Birmingham yesterday from Johns Hopkins hospital in Bal timore that Jere C. King. the we'll known attorney. underwent an opera ton last Tuesday for chronic appen- dicitis and that the strongest hope is now held. out for his ultimate .ecoy cry Ii was stated that the attending specialists hope to have him we'll in a few weeks.
 since going to Johns Hopkins MT King has been under the care of three of the institution's greatest specialists, pr Barker. pr. Brown and Dr. Fhfney. pr Finney performed the operation Tuesday. At the time MT. King left Birmingham his friends feared that he might never be restored to health.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-06
NO CONFERENCES
 ON WATERWORKS
w, therly Returns to Montgomery Commissioners May Discuss
 Offer Today

No conference on the waterworks prop osition to reduce rates and sell its plant to the city was held by members of the city commission yesterday due to the ab- sence of Commissioner Weatherly. Con- missioner Ward stated that probably a conference between the commissioners would be held today. Time expires Tues- day for an answer on the offer of the water company, and it is generally re- garded that prospects are not as bright as a few days ago for an amicable ad- justment of the proposition.
 Commissioner Weatherly hastily depart ed for Montgomery yesterday after hav- ing just returned from that city the day before Commissioner Ward stated yes- terday he "did not know why MT. Wealth erly went back" It is understood, how ever, MT Weatherly is interested in the pending five-commissioner bill.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-06
DR. DRENNEN WILL
 RETURN FEB. 20 Has Been Serving as VOlun- teer in American Hos
 pital in Paris

Dr. W. Earle Drennen, who has been absent in Paris since early in December, working as a volunteer in the American ambulance hospital, will return to Bir- zningham on February 20. In a recent let ter, addressed to Fairfax Harrison, pres ident of the Southern Railroad company Robert Bacon, formerly connected with the United States consular service, and now with the American embassy at Paris, speaks in the most complimentary terms of the services rendered by Dr. Drennen, and of the valuable work he has been doing in the aid to the wounded of the allied armies. In January Dr. Drennen relieved Dr. Blake, a noted New York surgeon, who was in charge of the American ambulance hospital.
 pr. Drennen is one of the most widely known surgeons of the south, and is chief surgeon of tho Alabama Great Southern Railroad company and affiliated lines. On his return to Birmingham he will re- sume his duties with these companies.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-06
Real Estate Transfers

The following real estate transfers were yesterday recorded in the office of the probate judge.
 s1S00-E R. Currie to c. r. Bell. half interest in northeast quarter of south west quarter of section C, township n, range west, also the southwest duar- ter of section 6, township l9, range , west, being DO acres moro or less, min eral and mining rights reserved
 Sf250-Investment Real Estate com pany of Alabama to Mabel J. Garrett and G. r. Garrett, lot 2i in block 1, according to Real Estate company of Alabama survey of North Haven
 S2625-Dr. A. Gibson and wife to John NJ, McCartin, an undivided half interest in parts of lots II and l5, In block s62. city of Birmingham
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-06
|DIADONE CASE IS
 ABOUT CONCLUDED
Arguments Will Begin This Morning Is Charged With Criminal
 Assault

Evidence in the case of Tony Diadone, charged with criminal assault, growing out of the alleged kidnapping of Mary Ve. trollo, is about concluded and arguments will begin this morning. The case has been on trial in the criminal court for several days and has attracted much at tention, especially among the Italian col ony and many friends and relatives of the defendant and his alleged victim have been in attendance. Owing to the nature of the evidence, Judge Fort has excluded all spectators during the trial. As the majority of the witnesses do not understand English interpreters have been employed both by the state and defense.
 Yesterday large number of character witnesses were put on the stand by the defense, who swore to his general good character. The alleged offense occurred last September, when it is charged that Diadone Kidnapped the girl, carried her to Republic, where it is said that the assault was made.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-06
FINANCED CAMPAIGN
 TO DOUBLE TAX RATE

Tt would be most interesting to know how, after obtaining possession of these bonds. he then financed pri- vate campaign to induce the 1egisla- ture to pass an act that would double the city tax rate so that always aft erward there would be ample funds for bond interest.
 This campaign was dumbly accede6 to by the panic-stricken people who were anxious to build a great city ano keep its securities always gilt edge.
 "He alone can tell how the people were induced to vote this trick into the constitution under guise of vali- dating and protecting all bonds of tho city then outstanding or to be there after issued with an adequate in.eres and sinking fund.
 "Mr. Steiner alone knows bow
 much he collected or how much he
 contributed to finance this cam-
 paign over the state of Alabama.
 It was not necessary to he niggard- ly, for the minute the election car ried and the result was ascertaincd, he found himself worth approx imately $1,O00,O0O more than he was before the successful perfOrm- ance. The bonds jumped to par in n day.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-06

Much interest was manifested yester- day by members in the Chamber of Com merce annual election and probably the largest number of votes in its history was cast for the ticket
 Crawford Johnson, well known Bir- mingham business man and civic worker, was elected president without a dissent- ing vote. MT Johnson's administration is being looked forward to with much in terest by civic enthusiasts, as it is ex- pected he will be especially active in public matters of interest to the devel- opment and progress of Birmingham Mir. Johnson and his staff will be formally installed at the annual meeting of the chamber next Friday night at the audi torium. Paschal c. Shook, the retiring
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-06
WALKING CHIMNEY GETS INTO TROUBLE Notorious Negro Woman Bumps Into Allen J. Krebs, Jr., and Quickly Takes
 the Count"

Walking Chainey," a nondescript ne- gro woman, well known in Birmingham through her wild and disorderly rambles in crowded city streets, bumped into AL len ]. Krebs, Jr., at Letaw's pharmacy, Fourth avenue and Nineteenth street. north, about 6:30 o'clock last night, and
 immediately thereafter a kaleidescopie se- ries of things happened The affair end ed at the police station, where Officers Patton and Smith conducted the raying negro woman and MT Krebs. Walking Chainey'' was locked up on a charge of disorderly conduct and I<rebs made bond on a charge of assault and battery.
 According to the account of the affair by krehs, it appears that Walking Chainey," perambulating at her usua reckless rate, colllded with him in front of Letaw's city hall drug store Krebs immediately made wild swing and "Walking Chainey' took the count or the sidewalk. There followed tumble of flying skirts, fists wild shrieks and hundreds of people running to the scene The police arrived and the negro woman and the young man were both taken tc the city jail. The crowd followed and fingered for several minutes at the door of the bastille. The merits of the af- fair will be decided in the recorders court this morning.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-06
RUMOR SAYS c. WARD IS
 TO ESTABLISH CENSORSHIP
 OVER ALL CITY HALL NEWS
Ky RALPH R. SILVER

Reports are in circulation in that rumor pervaded atmosphere that ever and anon hcvers over city hall affairs that G. Ward is about to inasugate city press nu- reau, which each day will deal out news c6 psules' to the fretful reporters of the daily papers.
 Commissioner Ward flatly denied any intention of the kind when asked about it yesterday. "I had never even thought of it." he said. I'm inclined to suspect that the rumor has been matched In the camp of the enemy
 The report, nevertheless, is to the eff, feet that a censor, probably d man not
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-06
REAL ESTATE MEN
 WILL MEET TODAY

A special meeting of the Birmingham Real Estate exchange has been called for 12 o'clock today in the directors rooms of the Chamber of Commerce.
 General Secretary Hay stated last night that an exceedingly important subject concerning public matter now pending and which effected practically every cit- izen of Birmingham was to be discussed and stated he wished to ask through The Age-Herald that every member be present if possible.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-06


 '.It occurs to me that it would he more Illuminating to the peo- pie If MT. Steiner would save some of his newspaper money and do his own writing and talking.
 '.He could then tell the people of Birmingham how the trickiiy wOrded clause was put into the constitution of Alabama.
 "HOw he started and financed the campaign by which he wrecked the credit of the city of Birmin ghnm. "How he had calamity articles written and printed in the daily newspapers, during that period. by city officials who apparently did not see through his plan.
 .How he had these articles re- produced in clippings and spread the world.
 NHOw these clippings were mailed to every boBdhOlder whose address he could obtuin.
 "How he and his paid agents followed these articles with per- sOnal visits and with arguments that utterly blasted the confidence of investors in the future and credit of this city.
 "HOw he then bought their bends at prices ranging from 40 to 70 cents on the dollar, thus becum- ing practically the sole owner of all bonds of the city of Birming- ham then outstanding.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-06
MONTGOMERY GLAD
 TO GET BACK HERE

I'm certainly glad to get back to Bir- mingham. It's the best city in the United States said Ed Montgomery, former Birmingham man, who has returned after an absence of six years, to take charge of the hat department of Louis Saks
 'I've been living in Texas" he said, ''but I'm ready to stay in Birmingham now the rest of my life I can hardly get about in the old town after being away six years. There have been so many changes and the growth Is so remark able that it seems like a strange place.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-06

president, has had one of the most &C., tive administrations it is said,- since the chamber became real factor in the growth of the city.
 It is understood that MT. Johnson's ad- ministration will be devoted largely to consolidation of civic bodies of the city with the view of securing concerted and efficient support for all matters under taken by the organization. Securing of small and diversified industries Is also to be another important plank in the John son platform 1t is said.
 At the annual meeting of the chamber next Friday night besides the installa- ton of new officers, there will be com mttee reports showing the work of the retiring admnistrati tion Vocal music will be rendered by chorus of 40 voices com posing the Arion club. and light refresh ments and cigars will be served.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-06
CIT THIS OUT NOW

If you don't want 1t today, you may next weeek. Send this advertisement and cents to Foley & Co.,, Chicago, ILL, writing your name and address clearly. You receive in return three trial packages-Foley 8 Honey and Tar Com pound for coughs, colds, croup and grippe; Foley Kidney Pills, for weak or disordered kidneys or bladder; Foley Cathartic Tablets, a pleasant, whole some and cleansing purgative, just the thing for winters sluggish bowels and torpid liver. These well known stand ard remedies for sale by all drug gists
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-06

unlike those news sovereigns that preside over the stories of European war actiVi- ties, is to be installed at the city hal ard instructions issued to all department heads and city employees to keep news paper reporters "off the firing iine." The censor then is to compile daily bulletins of the municipal activities. which will be thoroughly disinfected and given to re- porters each day hv deaf mute-who will he the only person whom the reporters may come in contact with at the city hall.
 "Hatehed in the camp of tho enemy. 2 however, said Mir. Ward, so time alone will tell
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-06
Camp Hardee Meets Today

The regular semi-monthly meeting of Camp Hardee, United Confederate Vet erans will be held this afternoon at the auditorium of the Chamber of Commerce building. The feature of the meeting will be an address by pr. E. F. Lacey of Bessemer. All Confederate veterans whether members of the camp or not and auxiliary bodies, are invited to at tend, as well as the public generally.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-06

city would have defaulted on it's bonds to its incalculable injury.
 'As to B. Steiner, he was once elected to the presidency of the Chamber of Commerce. His picture now beams benefi- gently from the chamber walls. The motto of this splendid body of men is Not for Self but for All
 Were it so that the Chamber of Com merce was a martial organization, oper- ating under the rules of warfare, and B. Steiner still lived within the domains of the state of Alabama, he would, with out delay, be summarily tried and shot for treason to his people, to his city and to his state."'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-06
HUGH LOCKE WILL
 SPEAK AT Y. M. c. A.

Hugh Locke, for many years assistant proscculing attorney of Jefferson county. will speak to men at the Princess thea Ire Sunday afternoon at o'clock, on "The Majesty of Manhood musical programme by the association orchestra will be rendered from 2:45 to o'clock. This meeting is free to the men of Bir- mingham, and strangers and visitors in the city are cordially invited to be pres-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-06
RETRENCHMENT AT
 THE POSTOFFICE

Under instructions from the postoffice department at Washington, retrenchment at the Birmingham postoffice will be put into effect by Postmaster T. H. Aldrich. The reason given is the low postoffice earnings throughout the country. Colonel Ai6rich states that while reductions in force or salary may be the result or the order. the service will not be serious ly impaired The Birmingham postoffice ranks high in the ratings for earning ca no city
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-06
Marriage Licenses

The following marriage licenses were yesterday recorded in the office of the probate judge; Don A. Henry Warrior to Miss Theodocia Bankston J. c. Buttrey. Nashville to Miss Rose Wrye
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-06
IpcOrpOration

The following certificate of iacor- poration was yesterday recorded in the office of the probate judge
 $1000-Brandavus Realty company, J. B. Russell president and treasurer; I. S. Marks. vice president; and Gus A. Pope. Jr.. secretary.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-06

mittee. J. E. Lovelaee, I. M. Abrahamson, Robert Austin. Miss Hitchcock; dinner. Fairview. 1 D. m. Committee, Ross Shar- CT, Walter Mitchell, Miss Virgie snarp. Underwood, 3;30 D. m. Committee, Miss Rasch, J. F. Underwood, Frank Rasch.
 Crew No. 6-Waterloo. 1 D. m. Commit tee, ]. w. Spain, Turner Shelby, ]. Il. Haynes, B. s. Haraway; dinner. Wright, 33o D. m. Committee, Buck sharp, Tom Wilson, Jim Wright, Lee Marks
 Crew No. 7-Normal school, 10 a. m; courthouse, 7:30 D. m. February 10 a. m., Burrell Normal. Committee, Dr. J. M Peerson, pr. H. J. WilIingham, J. T. Mckee, J. w. Reeder, H. B. Norton
 St. Florian, agricultural meeting. Com mittee, T. J. Raseh. John Beaumer, Jim Russell.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-06
WAS CONSUMMATED WHEN
 EVANS WAS MAYOR

Tt might be stated here that MT. Evans was mayor of this city from 1896 to 1899. The Steiner campaign was matched, con- duoted and consummated during that pe- riod
 Now comes Uncle Joe Waldrop from North Birmingham with insinuations and mis-statements to further this second Steiner campaign By way of parenthess it might be stated that MT. Waldrop does not seem to be taxpayer no property being assessed in his name. Whats his interest in the matter?
 ''rhe purpose of the second campaign is to put into effect the second half of the trick perpetrated on the people of Ala bama in the constitutional amendment of 1898.
 "The first half netted the Steiners approximately s1,000,000 and this sec-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-06

Such an arrangement would give his
 bonds value not exceeded by United
 States government As. Government As
 are worth 120. It would immediately ad-
 vance his bonds 20 or 20 points; 25 per cent on $1,7OO,OO0 means an increase of
 s425,OO0 It would also promptly depre- ciate the value of all other city bonds
 and practically preclude the sale of all new issues.
 About month ago, B. Steiner absent ed himself from New York and Europe | for a few weeks and appeared in Br.
 ningham. Shortly thereafter rumors be. gan to circulate that the sinking fund oi | the city was not what it should be. Con. currently MT. Felix Blackburn begar
 writing letters to the city, asking fol l figures and statements in regard to tho | sinking fund. About the same time MT l Frank Evans. who was not even a mem Der of the committee of 100, appeared al one of the meetings and made a motion | that the sinking fund of the city be in
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-06
GIVEN FREE ACCESS
 TO CITY'S RECORDS

These gentlemen were furnished all figures asked for and given free access to the city's records. Mir. Evans prompt ly concluded that the sinking fund was short something like $700,00o.
 MT. Blackburn at a subsequent meet ing of the committee of 100 presented his argument on MT. Evans figures. and made no point except that he construed the constitutional clause one way and that the board of aldermen had, ever since 1901, construed it another way.
 ''It was shown in the meeting that the construction placed by the board of al- dermen since 1901 was based on the con- struction placed on the Birmingham amendment-clause by the state legisla- ture in the city's charter of 1901.
 Neither MT. Blackburn nor MT. Evans have ever claimed to be capitalists, nol have they explained their sudden inter- est in the sinking fund or its status
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-06
PATRIOTIC ACT OF
 BOARD OF ALDERMAN

And now, 15 years afterward, cer- tain gentlemen who have been fully cognizant of the construction of the constitution agreed to by the city of ficials in applying interest money to all bonds outstanding (which stand was one of the most patriotic things the board of aldermen ever did) have suddenly become outraged and filled with consternation.
 ssHOwever, B. Steiner's interest
 and activities are expIainable. for
 now that the cify's fundamental
 structure ls to be strengthened he
 fears that his trick of 1S9S will
 be thwarted by nm net of the leg
 fslature.
 For the purpose of showing the people of Birmingham what is the mat ter with the sinking fund this article is written. To call the attention of the legislature to the trick heretofore played and to their duty to right this wrong, this situation will be put right up to the Jefferson delegation. It is their duty to see that this fund is checked up and to protect it from the strdid influences that are seeking to prey upon it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-06
Says B. Steiner Hopes to Profit to Extent of S425,0 by Present
 Campaign
SAYS STEINER HURT CITY'S CREDIT LONG
 AGO TO BUY BONDS
Made S1,000,000 by Previous Cam paign When People Were Induced to Vote a Trick Into the
 State Constitution

Commissioner George Ward took >oG his coat yesterday, donned his fighting togs and gave out the most vigorous and most sensational i'm terview he has given since he be- came a commissioners.
 He is aroused over the numerous statements recently made regarding the city's sinking fund and said he wanted to make the statement as an answer to the question, "what is the matter with the city's sink Ing fund.'
 The commission president is cs- peciaIIy severe on B. Steiner and openly charges that Mir. Steiner is responsible for the agitation by which, as the city's largest bond holder, he hopes to profit to the ex- tent of about $425,OOO.
 MT. Ward did not mince words and spoke with evident. feeling. Here Is what he had to say;
 Articles are appearing steadily in tn asking, What's the matte with the sinking fund?' The matter wit the sinking fund is that B. Steiner an family own nearly all bonds of this cit issued prior to 1900, and are getting read to cash in. These bonds amount to abou $1,70O,0o0 All other bond issues of tn city bought by him have been passe along to the public. "Mr. Steiner's scheme is to make tn people of the city of Birmingham put u about $S00000 new money and set asid on, half of each years taxes into trust fun for some years to come until all bond oupa6 1,u bi,,, ,,a;d off
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-06
MONEY ALLUDED TO
 WAS NOT STOLEN

MT. Blackburn knows to what use was put the money which he says ought to be in the sinking fund. MT. Frank Evans knows, and MT. J. c. Waldrop would know if he stopped long enough from pulling other peoples chestnuts out of the fire to look into 1t. The bulk of the people know. For the benefit of those who still are or profess to be. ignorant i of the matter I would state that the money alluded to by MT. Blackburn, MT. Evans and Mir. Waldrop was not stolen. l It was used to pay the interest on the bonded indebtednes9 of the city outstand- ing and to protect the city's honor and credit. If 1t had not been SO used the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-06
SOME OF THE THINGS
 HE COIILD TELL PEOPLE

ond half is designed to net, as stated above from $500. 900 to $400,00O.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-06
INCREASE VALUE
 ABOUT $425,OOO

owned by him are pai