davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-19
PLANS PROGRESSING F0R UPKEEP 0F ZOO
Will Ask Commissioners For Rental and License of
 Fruit Stand

Frank Smith, president of the zoolog ical association, stated yesterday thai all indications were there would be little trouble in arranging plans fol the maintenance of the Avondale FOG after the end of this month. at which time all financial support from the city is to be cut off Mir. smith stated that he had several plans under way, none of which had sufficiently materialized however, for announcement
 Mir. Smith intends 10 ask the com missloners to give to the geological association the rents and license from the fruit stand which is maintained in the park and which amounts to $50 q month. 1t Is on account of the zoe that this fruit stand Is maintained there, for without the zoo there would be no need for 1t and on these grounds Mir. Smith believes the commissioners will allow the money to go toward the support of the zoo.
 The plan 10 interest different mer- chants in the zoo and permit them to place advertising signs on the different cages in return for the feed of the animals seems to be meeting with con siderable approval and several mer- chants already have expressed willing ness to do this
 Mir. Smith states that there need be no worry that the zoo will be allowed to go by default. Tt has too many friends" he said, and they are rally ing to it's support with a fine spirit If 1t comes to the worst, I know we can appeal to the boys and girls who will give their nickels and dimes to- ward feeding the animals until the city recovers sufficiently financially to again take up the burden"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-19
WEEKS FRATERNAL NEWS
sy CHARLES It. MANDY

The largest and most successful district convention ever held by the Odd Fellows of Jefferson county was held with Huff man lodge No. 3sO on July 13
 The convention was presided over by President S. C. Agerton of Blossburg lodge No g. and NJ C. Thomas of Bir- mingham lodge No. il2 acted as secretary. The grand masters examination for cer- tlticates of proficiency resulted in oer- tifleates being awarded to A. c. Spring field of Triple Link lodge No. i5l and Nj. c. Thomas of Birmingham lodge No. 1l2 The invitation of Ensley lodge No. l65 for next place of meeting was ac- cepted, The next convention will be held on the second Tuesday in February. 1916.
 The following officers for next term were elected and installed: President, William Ellis, Samson lodge No il5 first vice president J. B. McCombs, Indio lodge No. 5l6; second vice president. C. T. Brin- ton. Ensley lodge No. 165 secretary. M. C.. Thcmas Birmingham lodge No. 1l2 treas urer J NJ. Crow, Huffman lodge No. 3s0 The following appointive officers were named by President William Ellis: w. Joseph Dobs, Jr., of Samson lodge No. ll5: C., J. w. Lacey of Birmingham lodge No. 112 l. G., Frank Stoves Pratt City lodge No. 2s3; o. C., simon Scharff, Fiji della lodge No. 125; chaplain. George Sur ties, Samson lodge No 1i5.
 At II o'clock a. m. the convention took q recess and public exercises were held in the Methodist church, Rev. Dodds be- ing in charge. Excellent music was rem dered by the choir and an inspiring ad- dress delivered by Grand Master Hud- dleston.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-19
CLAIM ORDER HAS
 BEEN PLACED FOR
 SHRAPNEL SHELLS
Reported That Gulf States Company Will Sublet Contracts to Ma
 chine Shops

It is consistently rumored around town that an order for $1,000,O00 worth of shapnel shells has been placed with the Gulf States company for early de- livery and that subcontracts will be let to every machine shop in the district to complete the order. The only official of the company who could be reached last night was A. R. Forsyth, secretary and treasurer, who said he knew of no such order
 It is a matter of common knowledge, however, that negotiations with the in dustrial plants of the Birmingham dis trict in regard to the manufacture of war munitions have been going on for sometime, and it is claimed that only the fact that no individual company was equipped to fill such orders has de- layed the signing of contracts to make war supplies.
 It is understood that an agent of ons of the large manufacturers of the east has been in the city and district for a number of days looking over the situa- tion and that after full investigation he has found that the Birmingham dis trict Is equipped to fill certain orders and on his report it is said, the con tract was made.
 The question of the Birmingham dis triot entering the market for the supply of war specialties has been taken up by the several large industrial con , cerns for sometime and a prominent of- ficial of one of the largest industrial plants of the district has stated that owing to the requirement. of special machinery, shells could not be manu- factured in this district. It was also oh lathes in the district to complete mill lion dollar order.
 It is also stated that the s1,000,000 or der to be placed in this district is a subcontract for an eastern firm which have more orders than 1t can fill !n the next six months.
 Those informed on the situation state that the placing of the order in this district would, put every machine shop at work double time.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-19
VACATION? MAKE IT COLORADO THIS
 YEAR

Have you ever felt the thrill of the mountains, that deep mysterious some thing that comes from a wide sweep of plains and mountain tops, that indes- cribable feeling that overwhelms you when you see the glorious and magnif- icent beauty and scenic wonders of the Rockies for the first time?
 It's there for everyone--in Colorado and to get there in greatest comfort there's the Rock Islands famous Rocky Mountain Limited" modern train providing every comfort and con venience--only one night out between Chicago and Colorado Other fast trains daily from Chicago and St. Louis. Au- tomatic block signals-Finest modern all-steel equipment-Superb dining car service. Through cars from the south east to Colorado.
 Low fares for round trip daily, Juno lst to September 30-only $S0 from Chicago: $25 from St. Louis. Only direct line between the east and both Denver and Colorado Springs Write, phone or drop in at our Travel Bureau for our booklets and folders on Colorado. hotels and board | ing houses in Colorado. Little Jour- ! neys in Colorado. etc. All Peters Bldg, Atlanta. Ga. H. II. Hunt. D. P. A.. Rock
 Island Lines.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-19
A BASEBALL GAME ON
 SUNDAY AND A MORAL
By ALIEN !. KREBs, JR.

1 tell you why we allow the boys to play any game they may desire on Sunday
 after the church services. I am going to 1 want you to go over to where the boys
 are playing the ball games and remain for
 Ia minutes, then (pointing to clump of l trees about half a mile from where the
 ball games were in progress) go over there and remain for Ia minutes, observe close ly. then come back here and tell me what you think
 "I went over to the spot where the ball game was going on. The boys were enjoying themselves to the utmost. Some 1 were playing, while others were stand Ing by. interested in the plays that were being pulled off. Quite crowd of them were roofing for their respective side. There was no disorder. no cursng, no
 smoking This was against the rules. | Everybody seemed to he having a good 1 time. After l5 minutes I preceded to 1 the spot where a group of hoys were lou ging about, under a elnmp of trees. It was plain to that the crowd which had oongregated there was not the kind | of youth that would enjoy tho excitement of n ball game. One fellow was telling a vile yarn. Another was smoking and l blowing the smoke in some moss so as to
 conceal what he was doing from the | sight of suspecting professor. A craps game was in progress. A frown adorned
 the face of most of these calloused youths, 1 l looked, I wondered and fled from the | spot
 | :" Well, said the professor, what have you to say about Sunday amusements | now9
 l Nothing I replied From now on
 you will find me in that ball game every day and on Sunday especially. A man
 who can't see why you let the boys seek I day, after seeing what l have. Is a nut 1 And the professor started over toward l the clump of trees with frown of de- ! termination on his face"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-19
MCCORMACK PROTESTS AS TAXPAYER AGAINST WASTE
 OF THE PEOPLES MONEY
Defends System of Working Convcts in Mines in Statement Brought Out in Reply to That of Board of Revenue
 in Sundays Age Herald

As tho board of revenue Is seeing the report of Mir. Worthington and as I submitted a copy of the same report to the committee, there can be no de- nial of any statement quoted from it. nor any difference or argument over 1t.
 I stated that the report shows tho cost of all county convicts to be SI1S per day per head and the cost of each days labor on the road SABA. The re- port Is a public document and any cit izen may see It for himself
 I protested as a taxpayer against the great waste of the county's money in working roads with convicts. It must amount to an enormous sum already and will grow as long as the work and waste is continued.
 Caring For Prisoners
 I tried to show that it is impossible to properly care for prisoners in small squads in temporary camps as may be done in large and well equipped pris- ons with hospitals. doctors in attend ance night and morning, hot and cold water for bathing summer and winter, libraries, ministers and the best of san- itary appliances. l did not say they provided no doctor. but that he is not in constant attendance and cannot be with many camps scattered all over the county. The same applies to min isters. Doubtless they are doing their best. It is the system that is at fault, Is any citizen may see who will visit some of the camps or the roadworlS any work day.
 l did not argue for the working of convicts in mines as the very best thing to do, but as infinitely better from every standpoint of health, hu- manity and economy than working on the roads. There are some things bet ter than either.
 The legislative Investigating com mittee did not hear the coal operators >until after their report was prepared so that when you quote from it You are not quoting their sentiments after hearing all sides. but from q report made in advance. How much weight should it have?
 In conclusion, l may say that I think the working of county convicts on the roads Is having in this county the fair est trial 1t can have for there is a large number of convicts. The board of revenue is in favor of the policy and Is composed of good business men of the highest standing who are do- ing their best to make it a success, but will any citizen without prejudice or bias visit the camps, read the re- ports and say it is not a great waste of the taxpayers money' It seems, however, that it must continue until like Texas and Georgia, We find our selves facing bond issues to foot the bills.
 Why not, however. put them at pro ductive work but not at coal mining If that Is "taboo?' There are many things they can do and stop the use less waste. Yours very truly,
 G. B. MCCORMACK.
 Birmingham, July IS, 1915.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-19

G. B. Mccormack, president of the Pratt Consolidated Coal company, In a | statement to The Age-Herald defends the system of working convicts in the mines
 and protests "as a taxpayer" against the great waste of the peoples money
 in working roads with convicts.' He contends that any unbiased citizen who will visit the road camps will be convinced that the peoples money Is be- ing wasted and he fears the system
 must continue until, like Texas and
 Georgia, We find ourselves facing bond is- sues to foot the bills."
 The Pratt Consolidated company Is
 one of the largest in the state and is
 one of the few remaining companies in the state still mining coal with convicts
 so that what Mr. Mccormack says will
 be read with special interest as express ing the views of those who favor con
 tlnuance of the system. He writes:
 To the Editor of The ge-Herald: The headlines and your comments on the statement of the board of revenue oi Jefferson county do not consist either with the signed statement or the facts.
 In the first place, made no ''cnarges
 as to working eonvicts on the roads.
 did not criticise the board of revenue ol
 Jefferson county, but did state that they
 were as high class, humane men IS could
 be found in the state. I am sure they do not deny that statement, although you say they deny in toto every statement
 made by me.
 Doing All They Can I did not refer to the feeding of con victs on the roads here or elsewhere
 nor to their housing, except to compare the cages to regular prisons in an at tempt to show that 1t was not feasible tc
 have as good sanitary and bathing ia
 not deny that. I have no doubt they are doing all they can in these directions | for I know they want to do the best they can under such adverse conditions. | said that some, not all, of the con- vlcts working on the road wore shael<les
 and chains and slept in them, and some on a chain at night. They do not deny that but your reporter confirms II anc
 places the number of shackled at Hess than 25 per cent" Will the board deny | that? If the percentage is of all the county convicts, 1t may be right foi
 many of them do not work on the road:
 at all.
 | l made no statement about the number of cases of sickness in the camps, nol of killed or injured, nor of escapes SC your remarks on those subjects are no' in denial of any statement of mine, anc
 l note only 15 have escaped since Novem Der.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-19

There is great hue and cry In the amusements."
 Time and again people have gone before the commissioners with petitions asking for the privilege of operating moving pie ture shows on Sunday. A vast number of citizens would like to see Sunday base ball. The latest protest against Sunday amusements, if any are to be found, Is that nothing which might attract the people, In the way of amusements, shall be allowed to run at East Lake park.
 A well-known and consetvativ citizen told the following story to crowd of Ire formers who happened to be in session at the Tutwller hotel week or ago;
 When I was quite young man. some years ago, my parents decided to send me off to a preparatory school. I had been raised to respect the Sabbath in the most stringent manner. and was a youth with set ideas regarding it. l arrived at the institution on Sunday morning. After l had matrculated and been shown over the place by one of the professors. we went about a mile from the main building and to my surprise l saw two ball games in progress. l turned to the professor with surprise written over my countenance and said Surely these are not students of this school
 'Of course they are, said my com panion.
 "I never heard of such a thing be- fore, replied hastily The man re- garded me keenly for a moment and said I can see you were not raised to violate the Sabbath by any amusements.
 No, I wasn't l replied.
 Well my son, l will not attempt to
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-19
SEVERE MEASURES
 TO PREVENT PLOTS

London, July 19.--t2:06 a. m. j--That the government is determined to deal promptly and effectually with any at tempts to assist the Germans, Aus trians or Turks, is made evident by this proclamation issued at Carlo:
 Every person having knowledge of the existence of any plot against es- tablished order. or for identity of per sons guilty of any offense against the government, must communicate with out delay to the nearest authority. Failure to comply will render per- son liable to martial law"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-19
ADJUSTMENTS
At The Grand

A high class show is promised the pa irons of the Grand theatre for the com ing week. "The Good Ship Mermaid is the title of the piece, and consists of a melange of high class comedy inter- spersed with several vaudeville sldts of high merit.
 Sid Cox, a comedian of exceptional ability will take the lead in furnishing the comedy. Al Bush will play oppo- site him and between this pair of superb funmakers, a continual roar of laughter is assured during the entire performance. ES Ia Flynn. one of the classiest soubrets in the business. is scheduled to furnish some up-to-date songs and dances She will be ably assisted by bevy of chorus girls. All tho costumes are new as well as the scenery and the company Is com posed of a number of well known actors and actresses to the theatregong pub lie.
 Eddie Hanlon, the well known welter- weight from Atlanta. will spar three rounds with Sailor Dixon, the fastest boxer in this section of the country and a great deal of interest has been aroused over their nightly sparing exhibition which will he held throughout the week.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-19
FIVE BILLIONS FOR
 PANAMA IN TRADE

Washington July lS.-The farmers part
 in international commerce approximates S5,ooo oO0,o0o annually. Statistics just issued by the department of agriculture give the cipal farm products carried in interna- tional trade, that is the total exports from all countries imports into all countries:
 Cotton, S,i27000.000: wheat and flour, Si7i oO0,o0O; raw wool, $is0. .00Q00; hides and skins, s392, ,00o,0O0; coffee.. $Ss6O3,0p; sugar s2,o00,0O0 rice, s27S,000.o00; barley and malt, $220, coo coo; corn and meal S2l0.- 000,0e00 unmanufactured tobacco. $l92,0O0 40; butter, $l73.00o.0o0; tea, Sl4S S0OO000; rye and flour, $i25, 5,0oooeo. and oats. si02,- GlN.0 .00O
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-19
EXPORTS FALL OFF
 ON FARM IMPLEMENTS

Washington, July 1S.-War virtually
 has stopped the sale of American ag-
 ricultural implements in several Euro
 pean nations. Figures made public
 today by the department of commerce
 shows that such exports during the fis-
 cal year 1915. dropped to about $10. 0OO,-
 900 from 10 year average of $29.000,- 900.
 Information reaching the department however, is said to show that the
 marked shortage of human and animal
 labor resulting from the wars devas- tations ultimately will bring about a greater demand for all kinds of ma chinery on European farma
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-19
Honor D. w. C. YarbrOugh

D. w. c. Yarbrough of this ciry. rep
 resentative of Aladdin temple No. l5S,
 Dramatic, Order Knights of Khorra ssins,
 of this city to the imperial palace. in ses-
 sion during the past week at Asbury Park. N. J., was elected to the high office
 of imperial adoal This is a distinct com pliment to MT. Marlborough and Aladdin temple No. 153, which temple Mir. Tar
 brough founded In 1911. with a charter
 membership of l50. The temple now num-
 bers 350 of the best citizens and Pythians of Jefferson county, and Is one of the most influential temples in the United States.
 The office to which Mr Yarbrough ha s been elected. Is the third highest in the imperial palace. and Is usually acquired by years of hard service for the order and
 promotion from the bottom ranks.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-19
Knights of Pythias

pleasant surprise was given G, Frank stewart at the recent meeting of Birming- ham lodge No. S6 Knights of Pythlas. when he was presented with a beautiful past ehaneelllor's jewel as a token of esteem and in recognition of his untiring efforts in building up the degree team of the lodge in the recent contest for the lInddleston banner
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-19
Odd Fellows Picnic

Everything Is in readiness for the big picnic to be given by all the lodges of the Independent Order of odd Fellows of the Birmingham district at Avondale park on Wednesday. July ?, and large attendance is expected. Grand Master George Huddleston will be in attendance and will be the principal speaker. The programme includes games and contests of all kinds and will commence at l clock.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-19
Two Killed By Train

Hickory, N. C., July 1S.-Carl Shu- ford, and Ruth Shuford, 3. were killed near here tonight when a train struck the automobile in which they were riding. Belton c. Shuford, their father, was seriously injured and Mrs. Shuford Miss Bettie Hollyard and Miss Lola Munday were slightly hurt.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-19
FLOOD SITUATION
 IN CHINA IMPROVES

Washington July 1S.-Although flood waters in China are recedng, distress in the inundated district is increasing, said advices to the navy department today from Captain Hough of the gunboat Will mington, now at Shameen. Captain Houghs message said there was much loss of life among the Chinese from fire, flood and lack of food.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-19
Tribe of Ben Hur

The big excursion and picnic to be given under the auspices of Birmingham cour, No. 1, Tribe of Ben Hur, will take p,ace Thursday, July p, at Noccaiola Falls near Gadsden. A special train will leave the Terminal station at 7:30 a. m. on the above date and arrangements have been made to carry a party of 6OO. Members of the order from Gadsden and Attalla will join the Birmingham party at the falls and a big time is anticipated.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-19
Well-knOwn Man Believed To Have Been Seized
 With Heart Failure
WAS ON PICNIC WITH
 A PARTY OF FRIENDS
Was a Travelling Salesman For the Grasselli Chemical Company and Member of the Southern
 and Country Clubs

Chase Perkins. aged s5 years, was drowned in Mountain lake, about F miles from Birmingham, yesterday at noon. MT. Perkins went to the lake yesterday morning in company with MT. and Mrs ]. r. Rurrell, 1924 South Twentieth street. and it was the intention of the party to spend the day in the woods and go in swimming
 They arrived at the lake about Il 80 o'clock and after getting the lunch ar ranged to serve after they had taken a swim all the party decided to go into the lake. MT. Burrell swan across the lake. which is about half mile wide, and after he had reached the opposite bank came back on the shore to where Mrs. Burrell and MT. Perkins were standing.
 That was some swim," said Perkins.
 Mo- it isn't Chase" said Burrell. '1t is not very far across
 T believe will try it." said Perkins.
 Started to Swim
 At this point" said MT. Burrell Chase jumped in and started across, and my wife and l went over to the other side of the lake and waited for him. As he got about three-quarters across he fal- tered and without uttering sound. went down. l immediately jumped in and swan to the spot where he disappeared. In five minutes l had him out of the water and was trying to recustate him.
 'As l got him to the bank l noticed his eyes were glassy and his mouth open. 1 am of the opinion that Mr. Perkins came to his death on account of heart failure. After got him ashore and had worked on him for several minutes sent my wife to a house on the crest of the mountain to summon aid As she reached the door of the house She tainted, and l found her in bed when I went to see what had happened to her.
 After time some men came and helped mo try and revive Chase. l decided to get pulmotor, and rode two miles to se- cure one. It was no use. Chase was dead, and no earthly help could revive him. I am hearthroken over his death. My wife is in a serious condition as a result of the shock. The three of us had been on this kind of little outings be- fore, and I believe no more congenial trio ever went together
 Was We'll Known
 Chase R. Perkins was well known in this city. having been resident here all his life. Up until the time of his death he was employed as travelling salesman for the Grasselli Chemical company.
 He was very popAlar socially, being a member of the Country and Southern clubs His body is being held by Shaw Undertaking company pending, funeral arrangements. He is survived by his mother, Mrs. L. F. Perkins: three broth CTS, Isaac, Hoke and Crawford; also two sisters. Mrs. J. J. Diggett and Mrs J. 5. Morrow, all of Birmingham, except Craw- ford, who now lives in New York.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-19
Local Woodman Honored

Information has been received that w.
 M. Crawford of Birmingham has been
 elected as sovereign manager of the state
 at the meeting of the sovereign camp of l the Woodmen of the World now in session at St. Paul. Minn. Dr. Crawford is one