davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-04
STEEL COMPANIES
 HAVE GOOD WEEK
Local Contract Leads-Rail- roads Negotiating For
 Large Orders

New York January 3.--The steel companies derived considerable satis- faction last week with negotiations for the railroads for rail, track supplies and plain material for repair work. One contract for sS,0O0 tons of raiis was placed. Ohio railroads purchased 15.00a tons of rails at prices ranging from Sl.50 to s2 per ton less than asked by domestic mills. Bids were taken on 4500 tons for the Bosto nand Albany 45oo tons for the Boston and Albany iario and Western and on 20.00o tons for the New Haven.
 Other negotiations in the east in- clude 10000 tons for the Philadelphia and Reading. 60.000 tons for the Penn sylvania, 10000 tons for the Baltimore and Ohio, 10000 for the New York Cen tral and 10,00 for the Boston and Maine. Several large western roads are also in the market for round ton nages. The Lake Shore was buying. plates. shapes and bars, the New York Central and the Wheeling and Lake Erie bought railroad spikes. while the New York, Chicago and st. Louis or dered 15 locomotives.
 Manufacturing industries were more actively in the market for bars. plates and shapes for shipment over the first quarter and first half of 1915. Car shops. locomotive builders and ship yards also placed some contracts for plates and shapes. The more active buying encouraged the steel companies to advance bars, plates and shapes sl per ton at the close of the year. $1.1G Pittsburg now being asked for ship ment over the first quarter and $1.i for shipment over the first half of this year.
 Steel building work was again light but orders for manufacturing plart ex- tensions wore more encouraging. The principal orders included 1900 tons of shapes and 2000 tons of expanded bars for cotton warehouses at New Orleans, 2S00 tons for a pipe line in oregon and 400 tons for a pump station at Cleve- land
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-04
GERMANS BELIEVE
 SITUATION BETTER
Think Russian Counter Az gression Has Been Utter-
 ly Shattered

Berlin, January S.-(By wireless. The sitaution in the east is consid- cred by military critics to be steadily improving" said an official press bu- reau statement today. They believe the Russian counter offensive in Galicia has been utterly shattered, for the time at least. Events in the east, however, have so frequently brought surprises that predictions cannot safely be made.
 The smaller amount of space given by the newspapers to the western war apparently indicates feeling that Po- land still Is the central point of inter est, and that the struggle in the west has settled down into a monotonous endurance test
 The newspapers profess to have in- formation that the English, in their recent raid on Cuxhaven, did absolute ly no damage. It is believed four Eng fish aeroplanes were lost, the cruiser Arethusa badly damaged and another cruiser somewhat damaged by German shells. It is believed also that two Brit ish torpedo boat destroyers were dam aged
 The Famine Ca Constantinople news paper) publishes an interview with the Geramn field marshal Von der Goltz military cammandant of Constantinople and acting Turkish minister of war expressing confidence over the outlook for Turkey. Field Marshal Von Der Goltz declares the Turkish army has made great progress since his last visit to constantinople.
 The official publication of the Ger man Socialist Trade union the greatest workmen's association, reviewing the year 1914, says:
 We know we have to hold out, and we shall do so. Our confidence is based not only on the strength of the army but also on the love of country that unites all Germans. If the war keeps on for years it merely will forge the nation into more united solidarity
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-04
RUSSIANS RENEW
 STUBBORN ATTACK

Petrograd, January S.--(via London. ] Having fortified themselves along the line through Sochaczew. Skiernicwice Rawa and Opoczno, Russian Poland, the Germans again have renewed simul- taneous stubborn attacks to the south and west of Warsaw. They have en- ceavored to cross the Vstula near Czerwinsk, evidently designing a movement against Nowo Georgiewsll. In the south. near Gritzy they attempt- ed an advance toward the Vistula, in the region midway between Warsa and Ivangorod.
 The German plan, according to dis patches from the front seems 10 pro- vide that the Austro- German forces near Konskie and moving in the gen. eral direction of Radom and Ivan gorod, join the Germans around Croft zy in besieging Ivangorod.
 Military men here now believe Field Marshal Won Hindenburgs real goal is not so much Warsaw, whose capture would give him only a moral advant- age, as Nowo Georgiewsk and lvango- rod, points which the Germans must take if they are to keep Western Pol and. It is assured. however that the Germans still are 60 or 70 miles rom Ivangorod and that every day the prob ability of taking these places is les sened. Although general opinion Is that neither can be taken the Russians do not depreciate the perfection of the German technique and fierceness of at tack, or the effect of the Germans heavy artillery now in action in Poland.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-04
POPE WORKING TO
 EXCHANGE PRISONERS

Rome, January S-ei2:51 D. m.)-ln addition to the cordial replies of Elm peror William and King George prom islng assistance in arranging for ex- change of prisoners incapable of fur ther fighting, Pope Benedict has re ceived other satisfactory answers from bellieerent powers to his request for such exchange. 1t is hoped that during January arrangements will be made for the return la their homes of a large number of wounded prisoners
 The details under discussion propose that some of the prisoners be exchanged through Holland and others through the Scandinavian countries, Switzerland and Italy
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-04
STOCK MARKET DULL DURING PAST WEEK
Desire to Await LOndon's ReOpening This Week
 Adds to Stagnation

New York January 3-Last weeks stock uarket was excessively dull. Price limits are fixed by official minimums in one direction; in the other pressure Is encoun- tered for reduction of bank loans. here | and in London. Absence of forced foreign selling and steady. although restricted in- vestment demand open a way to readjust- ment or possible removal of estab- lisfed price restrictions. Desire to await London's reopening this week added to the stagnaton.
 Washingtons protest against British treatment of merchant shipping weighed on sentiment Satisfactory progress in export trade is shown by December fu- lures, cotton shipments rising over those of last December. Weakness of foreign exchange confirmed the improved condi- tion. Remport of gold from Ottawa came under discussion. Swelling merchandise exports, the past years heavy gold ex- dend payments abroad and abundance of floating money supplies In London. due to government credit measures. all contrib uted to relaxation in the various exchange markets. In the credits secured in London by England's allies seem to be partly diverted by expenditure for supplies in this country. Meanwhile additional ru- mors of foreign loans by our bankers. including negotiations with Russia, form the basis of interesting conjecture.
 Substantial increase in December in hlled steel orders is indicated by current returns. Prices for certain finished prod ucts have hardened. Release of further orders held for the turn of tho year is expected shortly. Monetary ease in the loca! market was unaffected by vear-end needs and the clearing house institutions begin the new year with unusually large raS
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-04
STA1GER ON $1O.OOO
 BAIL AWAITING
 REVIEW OF CASE

Hattiesburg. Miss. January 3.-tSpecal.) ! Released on s10.000 bond after being confined in the Forrest county jail since lass May on the charge of murder, Joseph Stalger' former insurance adjuster and we'll known throughout the county, to- day is enjoying the first bit of open air freedom he has experienced for more than seven months.
 Staiger will remain on bond until the Mississippi supreme court reviews the ease and decides whether the life sen tencc imposed by the circuit court of this district, some months ago. shall stand.
 He was tried and convicted of murder Ing A. F. Miller. bookkeeper for the c. Il. Armbrecht Lumber company, in the company's office last May. Miller was shot through the head on May 27 and died in the Hattiesburg hospital the next day The trial and conviction of Staiger evoked widespread interest, owing to the prominence of every one runcerngd.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-04
BALKAN STATES CONTINUE
 TO MAKE READY FOR WAR
Steps to Insure Bulgarian Neutrality and Expect Understand ing in the Balkans Apparently Have Not Been Sue
 cessful-Greek Government Active

London, January 3.--(7.5o D. ,me Persevering steps which have been taken to effect an understanding be tween the Christian Balkan states anu to insure Bulgarian neutrality. appar- ently have not met with complete sue cess, according to dispatches from tie near eastern capitals and Bulgaria, Greece, Servia and Roumania still are preparing for eventualties.
 During discussion of the budget in the Greek Chamber of Deputies, NJ. Theokotis is reported to have declared the speech recently delivered by the Bulgarian premier regarding Mace- donia, which Bulgaria considered should have been given her after the last Balkan war. constituted a menace, while the Creek minister of finance said Greece was making urgent mili-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-04
Carmichael Arrested

Dothan. January 2.--(Special )---Da vid Carmichael was arrested here to- day on warrant charging murder. sworn out by ". F.s Collins of Dale county. father-in-law of II. H.. De- shazo. Dothan policeman. who was shot and killed several weeks ago in store in this city near the Coast Line station by D. c. Carmichael David.s father. D. G. Carmichael has been cor- fined in the county jail here since the night of the killing.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-04
ARRESTED FOR FORGERY
 MAN CONFESSES TO MURDER
Paul Williams Arrested in Annson for Trying Forge Check Admits He is Escaped Convict and That He Had Served Part of Thirty Year Sentence for
 Murder in Oklahoma

Anniston. January s.-(Special An e1ort to secure new suit of clothes saturday morning from the Globe Clothing company without having to pay for it will probably cost Paul Will Hams. a respectable looking white man. about 25 years of age. 80 years of his life. Williams purchased some clothing from R. Hertz, the proprietor of the Globe. and wrote out a check, signing the name of John D. Jones to it in payment.
 The check proved a forgery and when arrested and questioned by Chief of Police Lon Phillips, Williams ad- mitted that his name was not Jones and that he was wanted in McAlister, Okla, having escaped from tine pen itentiary where he was serving 30- year sentence for murder. The warden of the penitentiary at McAlister was communicated with by wire and he cor
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-04

| ionofated Williams statement and asked that he be held for the Oklahoms authprities.
 Williams went to the clothing store saiurday morning and selected a suit or clothing which he put on, leaving nls old suit in the store. saving he would call for it later He asked for a cheek on the Oxford National bank, saN,hg mat his name was Jones and mat he lived in DeArmanville. Mr Hertz accepted the check Later, ,oy- ever, he went to the phone and called Frank Leigh. manager of the oyford bank, and asked him if John D. .Iones' cheek was good for s30. MT. Leigh in- formed him that the check was good Williams was overtaken as he was leaving the city.
 Williams finally admitted that his name was Paul Williams and that he was from Oklahoma. Upon further ex- animation by the chief he said that ne was an escaped convict. his mum t,s per oeihg l42s In the state peniten- tiary of that state. He also gave inc hame of the warden, R. w. Dick.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-04
LONDON OBSERVES
 |NTERCESS|0N DAY
Special Prayers Offered For Success of the Allied
 Arms

l London. January S.-(s:31 D. m.)-Large congregations who crowded London | churches today for observance of Interces- sion Day offered special prayers for sue | cess of the allied arms and in remem- brance of those who have fallen. Four services were held at St Pauis cathedral. The first at a. m. was con ducted by the Right Rev Arthur Ingram. bishop of London. The great cathedral was thronged throughout the day. West minister Abbey also had a large attend ance. The sermon there was by Arch deacon Wilberforce
 At all the Church of England's places of worship special form service, sanctioned by the archbishops of Canterbury and York was used At Westminster cathed- raj hundreds took part In the special mass provided by the msssl for use in war time
 similar services also were held through out the British isles and in the overseas dc ninlons.
 Rome, January 3.-,2;lo D, m)-Special churches in Italy for the ultimate victory Of the allies. In the chapel of the Eng fish college, Cardinal Gasquet and the new British minister to the Vatican. Sir Henry Howard, were among those participating
 in the communion service.
 No member of the British embassy to tue quirinal, however was present at any service. It also was remarked that the rector and vice rector of the Irish college did not participate in the service nor at tend the reception given by Cardinal Gas quet in honor of Sir Henry Howard
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-04
Railroad Rube" Among Filipinos

From the LonisvIlle Courier-Journal
 The bureau of agriculture in the Phil ippines has adopted the plan. familiar in the United states of sending a ear from place 10 place over a railway system specially fitted out for exhibitions. dem onstratons and lectures on agricultural subjects, In tie states this sort of car iocularly has been called "the railroad Rube
 During months trip over the Manila railway stops were made at aa towns and in spite of unfavorable weather the car was visited by over l2,000 persons. while more than 5o00 attended the night ly illustrated lectures. Improved seeds and large amount of agricultural lit erature were distributed
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-04

tary preparations to maintain her iih- erated territory
 Another dispatch from Athens says the Creek government has forbidden eyportation of cereals, flour, cattle, for age and arms
 should Bulgaria, contrary to eNpeo- tations, attack Servia with the object of recov, ring Macedonia, Greece, by her treaty obI cations. would. it is thought here, come 2 the assistance Of Servia. and the Balkan peninsula would be in the throes of . third war.
 Turkey apparently expects trouble as the ottoman government has eX- pelled the subjects of all neutral coun- tries from the Dardanelles.
 In Albania the revolution is said to be spreading and the Italians. who oc- cupied the seaport of Avlona, have sent a battleship to Durazzo to protect Ital- ian interests at the Albanian port.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-04
HUNTSVILLE

Huntsville. January 3.-(Specisl Sheriff elect Robert Phillips will as. sume the duties of the office of sheriff or Madison county January 1S Judet 5. Morgan Stewart, present office depu. ty for Sheriff Hereford. will remain ir the same capacity with Sheriff Phillips Lonhie Bates will bechief deputy. Othe, appointments have not been announced
 Pension warrants for the presen, quarter are being paid out at the pro- bate office here. The number of war rants received this time is about 10o short of the last quarter owing to the activities of the pension examiners. Of the 100 men who have been cut off this quarter. those who establish proof of service to the Confectionery will get back payments that have accumulated.
 Mrs. Lillian S. Orr of Birming ghan,. the only woman appointed by the gov- ernor of Alabama on the Belgian re- lief state committee. addressed largo audience here yesterday after being in- troduced by Hon. Lawrence Cooper. Mrs. Orr urged all local committees to get together in the work and conduct q vigorous campaign for money, provis- Ions and clothing. She stated that no money would be sent directly to Bell gium because money Is practically val- ueless there.
 The fire department records show that thre were nine runs during the month of December and the aggregate losses of the month do not exceed 5000.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-04
PERCY ILLINGWORTH
 IS DEAD IN ENGLAND

London, January 3.-(3O0 D. m.) Percy Holden 1llingworth, chief liberal whip in the House of Commons and par liamentary secretary to the treasury. died today of typhoid fever He was born at Bradford in 1869
 MT. Illingworth served in the South African war with the Yorkshire Yeo- manry. He was appointed chief liberal whip in 1872, succeeding Lord Murray of Flibank.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-04
U. s. Treasury Statement

Washington, January 3.--The eondi- ton of the United States treasury at the beginning of business yesterday was: Net balance in general fund, s64,- OO2,73S; total receipts, $1.5SS.907; total payment, $4.70S.S3s; the deficit this fis- cal year is $65.35S.775 against deficit of $17,366.436 last year. exclusive of Panama canal and public debt trans- actions.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-04
.DOTHAN F|REMAN|S
 ACCIDENTALLY SHOT
James Bonner Shot by Brew. CT Vann, We'll Known
 DOthan Citizen

Dothan, January & fSnec;a1 , James Bonner, member of the Doth an Tire department. was accidentally shot and painfully but not seriously in : Jured at the fire station tonight about
 ''So o'clock by Brewer vann, a. well known young man of this city. A load oi pirdshot struck Bonner in the face and right shoulder.
 Nann, with members of the fro d.. paftment was playing In the rear par. or the station near stove. Bounar wa a sitting in a chair. Vann. if is statad walked into closet about 10 feet awav. where he noticed a shotgun Piclxing if up ne said. Il am going to cock both parreis and blow your head off" With cut aiming he pulled a trigger To his horror the gun was loaded and was aischafged the load striking Bonner
 Dothan January S.-(Special.)--H. I, McAfthur, former assistant cashier of the Third National bank of Dothan. but recently assistant cashier of the Bank of Hartford. has been elected casbie,. or the Dothan Mortgage and Trust company, succeeding B. J. Grant. re- signed
 fred Ihomas, secretary of the South. east Alabama Fair association of DofL- ah mas been elected and licensed as an official starter by the National 'rrot. tlhg association. Nlr. Thomas acted fo- the hrst time as starter at the New, rear matinee races held here Fri day afternoon The races wera vary successful large crowd attending.
 B. C. Perkins of the Perkins Gas, Grocery store of Dothan has filed n voluntary petition In bankruptcy in the. leueral court here. MT. Perkins gives his liabilities as s4002.5O. His assets are given as a stock of goods valued at $500 and one. wagon valued at SIS all of which Is claimed as exempt.
 William W. Wilson, Coffee county farmer living near Enterprise, has nied voluntary petition in banllr,iptcv Tn the federal court here. His liabil- ities are given as s1s1349. All of his assets are claimed to be covered by mortgage
 Houston county schools will observe good roads day, Friday January Is. County Superintendent of Education John M. Odom is sending out bulletins on the subject received from the state Department of education to all the teachers of the county and asking their aid and cooperation in making the day successful and in carrying out the idea of the occasion
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-04
He Had

From the Boston Transcript. Have you ever thought seriously of marriage, sir?" Indeed have; ever since the cere-
 mony."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-04

Nestor Wilmart was sentenced las, July to 10 years Imprisonment after conviction at Brussels on q charge Of swindling the public out of $3,400. .00o by over issuing shares in the Ghent- Terneusen railway In 1912. The rail way was privately owned and Wilmarts s operations placed a number of small banks in difficulties. He disappeared In 1912 and after a world wide search was arrested at Rheims, France.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-04
NESTOR WILMART
 ESCAPES PRISON

Paris, January 3.-(5:45 D. m)-Nes- tor Wilmart, former bankers, railroad man. newspaper proprietor and sports man, has escaped from St. Giles prison at Brussels, where he was serving a sentence for financial irregularities, ac- cording to dispatch from Basel, Switz- erland.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-04


 One of the revelations made to those Who have recently been studying the geog- rarhy of South America is a real ization of the fact that the east coast of the United States is approximately upon a parallel of longitude which touches upon the west coast of South America A more accurate statement than this is one which described the eightieth degree of longi- tude. That imaginary line bisects Erie, Pa, and Charleston, s. C., and passes almost exactly through the center of the Panama canal. It is little west of the Pacific coast of South America. This, of course, indicates that much the greater part of our early commerce by way of the Panama canal will be with the South American countries which border the Pa cific ocean.
 These countries in the aggregate have bee. furnishing very large yearly trade Two years ago, the money value of this aggregate trade was a little under $S00,- oeO.oOO When it is borne in mind that in the year 1900 this trade amounted only to about $31O,000,000, then there can be good understanding of the rapidity of it's growth. The United States did not get one half of this trade. It was only a little over one-third which we secured Ihc opening of the Panama canal should Tn the opinion of all of those who have studied the question, speedily increase our proportionate share of this trade un- Ill 1t amounts to considerably more than one-half