davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-06
PRUDENTIAL SAVINGS BANK
Annual Meeting of Stockholders of tn,
 Negro Institution Held

The report of the president, Dr. U. G. Mason, and the cashier. w. W. Hadnott, were the features of the fourth annual stockholders meeting of the Prudential Savings bank, held in the parlors of the Dunbar hotel last night The bank was shown to be in first-class condition, con- sidering the stringency of the times, hav- ing a handsome undivided profit for the year.
 Elected on the board of directors were: l.. U. Coin, I. B. Kigh, Damon Lee, R. E.. Sims, N. B. Smith, F. E. Jones, R. A. Rlount, Oscar w. Adams, J. w. Vaughn W. B. Johnson. D. w. Routen. w. w. Hadnott, w. J. Echols, P. J. Harris, w. M Jackson, J. B. Denson, T. c. Wind ham, l.. S. Steinbeck, w. c. Davis, Ike Nicholson. Phillip Shorter, H. Straw bridge, F. w. Ragland, B. P. Huckabee, U. c. Mason, E.. w. Thompson, c. w. Hadnott, Jr.. James A. Robinson, J. N. Moore and w. N. Dukes.
 The board of directors will meet Mon day night, January Il, at which time the officers will be elected for the year. The indications are that the present officials will be reelected. The officers are: Pres- ident, Dr. U. G. Mason; first vice presi- dent, B. F. Huckabee; second vice presi- dent, l.. S. Steinheck; cashier, w. w.. Hadnott. The executive committee Is composed of W. J. Echols, L. U. Coin. H. Strawbridge, o. w. Adam and I. B. Kigh.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-06

Under Mayor Lewis plan the approprfa- ton for the library charity and schools remain unchanged.
 The mayors recommendation caused considerable dissension among the alder men. For two hours the argument ragged fast and furious, but motion to adopt the report was lost by a vote of 5 to 4, one alderman being out of the city.
 Mayor Lewis was called upon time and again to explain the details of his plan. Several of the aldermen wanted to know why, if the saving could be affected, it had not been done before, Some advo- cated the saving of $16.149 per year, pro- vided for in the mayors plan and the $4150 provided for in the cut already in force, but it was stated that this was impossible.
 After two hours of wrangiing Alderman Smithson moved to adopt the mayor 8 recommendations. The motion was sec onded and the vote was as follows: Aye. Crotwell, Srithsen. Winters and Dca. son: no. Surratt, Simmons, Milton, Brooks and Huey.
 It was finally decided to refer the rec ommendation to committees and 1t was given to the judiciary committee and the mayor to investigate and report back at the next meeting.
 Little other business save of a routine nature came before the council.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-06
PRESENT GOVERNOR
 PRACTICALLY SURE
 T0bECOMEREFEREE
Appointment of Heflin Re- moves Most Formidable Candidate for Place as
 Birch's Successor

The report from Montgomery that for mer Solicitor Harrington P. Heflin would be appointed by the governor judge of the criminal court to succeed the late Judge Samuel E. Greene, was received In Birmingham yesterday morning without surprise. The general significance at tached to the report was that the other report to the effect that the governor would be named by Judge Henry D. Clay ton, referee in bankruptcy was with firm foundation.
 MT. Heflin was an applicant for the position of referee in bankruptcy and had the indorsement, it is said. of d majority of the members of the Birmingham bar His chances were considered good inas- much as his brother, Congressman Heflin. and Judge Clayton have been for many years warm friends. If Mir. Heflin is ap- pointed judge. he will. in all probability accept. and will retire ipso facto from the race for the refereeship.
 When it was reported in The Age-Her- aid that the governor would in all prob ability be named referee in bankruptcy, the governor was quoted in another paper as having said that he was not an appli cant for any position. However it Is now believed very strongly that he will be ap- pointed referee as soon as his term as governor expired.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-06
CHARLES LEWIS IS
 HERE SHORT T|N|E

Cousin Charles Lewis, reputed to b| the representative of the wholesale iiqut2 dealers of the country, and who in pa9 campaigns occupied the liinelight equallj as much as did the Rev. Brooks Law| renee. was in Birmingham yesterday. Ill left in the evening for Louisville.
 Mir. Lewis was returning to his hom| after a visit to Montgomery. While Il Birmingham. he received several caliers| It is understood that liquor dealers q Birmingham were anxious to receive fror| MT. Lewis advice concerning the expedf
 ency of paying their licenses for 1915. Al is known. it is generally believed tha| the legislature has @ chance 10 enac' statewide prohibition legislation.
 It could not be learned what the ad| vice of MP. Lewis was He declined t, talk Alabama politics.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-06
NO ANNOUNCEMENT. F ROM CONFERENCE. Administration Leaders Dis
 cuss Military Preparedness
 FINANCIAL ASPECT
ASPECT
Chamberlain Says Discussion Dealt Largely With This Phase of Situa- tion-Nothing Definite De-
 cided Upon, He Says

Washington, January 5-Military pre- paredness was the subject of an admin istration conference tonight at the home of Secretary Garrison. Every feature of the army and navy situation, with par ticular reference to appropriations for the coming year and the general policy to be followed was discussed. Cabinet officers and leaders in Congress who par ticipated declared no definite conclusions had been reported.
 Attending the conference were Secre- tary Garrison. Secretary Daniels, Sena- tors Chamberlain and Tillman, chairmen. respectively, of the Senate military and naval committees; Representatives Hay and Padgett, chairTnen, respectively of the House military and naval commit tees: Representative Sheriey chairman of the House subcommittee on fortifi- cations appropriations, and Representa- tive Underwood, majority House leader. Plan Co-Operative Action One of the chief purposes of the confer ence was to devise plans for co-opera- tive action between the executive and legislative departments on military and naval affairs in making appropriations
 
 for increasing the efficiency of the mill itary arm of the government On leaving the conference one of the participants said that while no definite plan of procedure had been agreed on, everyone present had conceded that every possible effort should be exerted in Con gress to bring the army and navy up to the highest standard of efficiency that could be produced with available resources.
 "The chief subject of consideration said Senator Tillman, twas to do the greatest good for the army and navy without encountering financial deficit" Secretary Daniels said the whole naval and military situation had been thor oughly discussed but would not discuss details of the conference.
 Senator Chamberlain told inquirers the general discussion had dealt particularly with the financial condition of the gov ernment. He said there had been no pro- posals for radical or extraordinary changes in the military or naval forces, and that the condition of both was con- sidered generally satisfactory.
 Nothing Definite Done
 Nothing definite Senator Chamber lain said, twas either discussed or de- cided upon. It is understood, however, that the bills affecting the naval estab- lishment which I have introduced will be passed in the Senate'
 revenuesitproShs infwyp mfwy mfwypp
 These bills include measures to in- crease the army by 25,000 men and 10o0 officers, and to increase the coast ar tillery corps by 5000 men. It developed when the conference was over that all those present had been enjoined to re- frain from discussing what transpired. Secretary Garrison announcedi-tha if there was anything to be said he would say it tomorrow.
 It is understood that the situation on the Mexican border came in for atten- tion.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-06
'MAYOROF BESSEMER ADVOCATES BUDGET .TOREDUCE EXPENSES
Council Refers Recommen- dation to Judiciary Com mittee After Much
 Wrangling

Bessemer, January 5.-(Special.) 1.-The city council tonight continued it's discus sion of the condition of the city finances and the meeting ended with matters more , muddled than they were before. Mayor Lewis in & speech to the council withdrew his former recommendation In regard to the cutting of salaries and stated that after thorough investigation he believed that the city could effect an even greater saving by budget than by the plan adopted at the special meeting of the council December 23. The mayor declared that by making an appropria- tion for each department and having the head Of that department see that it was operated within the appropriation a greater saving could be affected without the reduction of salaries or dropping any men.
 The mayor presented the following fig ures, showing the saving which he said could be affected by the adoption of his
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-06
No Excuse for Further Delay inP Paying Water
 Bills, Says Company
Birmingham Water Works Company Issues Open Letter to Consumers Showing Effect of Supreme
 Court Decisions

All questions shall be charged for n old Br mingham and the annexed municipalities comprising Greater Birmingham having been settled by the Supreme Court The Birmingham Waterwors Company has issued open letter to it's consumers.
 The company forth that the only suits still pending against it, Hankns suit and the Weahery suit seek the forfeiture its franchise for alleged of misconduct in the past affect in the slightest degree the rates charged at present The Supreme Court held definitely the pany states:
 That all furnished to dwellings in old Blrming be charged for at flat rates where meters nave been installed and special made for meter rates:
 That all water furnished dwellings territory annexed any otlr municipality at the time it annexed must be charged for at flat rates;
 That water furnished where has been set in ious suburban municipalities such East Lake, Wood lawn, Graymont Ensey, North Haven, Avondale, West End Pratt City, Eyton and Wylam should be paid for at rates although the quantity used might not average thousand gallons day
 That being the the company states unless there dispute figures aone there remains why any should delay paying his bill unless unable to do of financial strngency in which the company will be glad call and discuss arrangements for payment.
 The company also points out that o enormous by company quite erroneous that after pay operating expenses interest," etc. the total net income for the fiscal year 1913 S5235 Even this theore cal company states of the growth of B mingham and the demand for mains and fire hydrants expenditures for years have greatly exceeded the net that the company has been obliged constantly to bor row mony to make these improvements
 Therefore the company the prompt payment of its bills Tho letter follows:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-06

To the Customers of the Birmingham
 Water Works Company:
 The quarterly bills of the custom CTS of the Birmingham Water Works company, including all water fur nished to dwellings, were mailed our customers on or about January l. In view of the fact that a good deal has been said in the papers and by vari- ous persons with reference to the charges and conduct of the Birming- ham Water Works company, we feel it worth while, as briefly as we can, to say few words to our customers with reference to the bills just sent out
 and enjoy your good will and kindly feeling. You are our customers. We are just as anxious to satisfy you as any merchant in Birmingham would be. We believe that whatever of hard feeling you CT any Of you may have towards the the Water Company is largely the result of ,,lisunderstandings, which we are ex- ceedingly anxious to clear up. The peo- ple who buy water from us as a rule have neither the opportunity nor the in ciination to investigate the merits of the several law suits against the Water Company. the existence of which we greatly regret. But we ~now that many of our consumers do believe that these suits in some manner bear on their own water bills. We wish therefore to Say that so far as we know every doubt and every point of uncertainty with ref erence to the rates and charges of the Birmingham Water Company have been cleared up by express decisions of the Supreme Court of this state. The Su- furnished to dwellings in old Birming- ham must be charged for at fiat rates; that the Water Company cannot charge for water furnished dwellings in old Bfr- mingham at meter rates even where meters have been installed and special aereernents made between the Water Company and individual consumers that 4 the water should be furnished on 8 meter basis. The Supreme Court has further decided that all territory annexed to Birmingham since 1888 which was not Incorporated in any other municipality at the time 1t was annexed is governed by the old Birmingham contract, and that water furnished to dwellings in all such territory must be charged for at flat rates. The Supreme Court has fur ther held that water furnished where meter has been set in the various su- burban municipalities such as East Lake, ' Wcodlawn, Graymont. Ensley. North Haven. Avopdale. West End. Pratt City. Eiyton and Wylam should be paid for at meter rates, although the quantity used might not average as much as a thou sand gallons day. The two law suits pending against the Water Company, known- as the Hankins suit and the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-06

Weatherly suit, seek the forfeiture of the company's charter or franchises for var ious acts of misconduct alleged to have taken place in the past. Neither one of these suits affect in the slightest deeree the question of what the Water Conn pany should charge the consumers at this time. There can. therefore, arise no question about the correctness of any bill rendered by the Water Company unless there be a question as to whether in the case of bills on the flat rate the Water Company has correctly figured the number of rooms and toilet and bath facilities on which the flat rates are based. The only question which can arise with reference to bills on a meter basis is as to the amount of water used. The Water Company has used every eff fort to see that it's bills are correctly made up and correctly rendered. If 1t has made any mistakes it will remedy them promptly and with the greatest pleasure. If it's bills are correct, it would respectfully ask that they be promptly paid. Like all other public service cor porations, the Water Company depends upon the prompt collection of its reve- nues to meet it's public obligations. If a consumer believes that his bills are in- correct, we would appreciate his advis- ing us promptly wherein he believes them to be incorrect, and we will en- deavor to satisfy him If he admits his bills to be correct, but due to he existing financial stringency is unable to pay his bills. we would be glad to have him come let us confer together and see what we can accomplish.
 A good deal has been said at one time or another about the exorbitant profits of the Water Company. We want our customers to know the facts and to req lze to what an extent our business de- bends upon our daily collections The Water Company, like every other public utility, makes under the law an annual statement of it's receipts and disburse- ments to the State Tax Commission. According to the official report made by the Birmingham Water Works Company to the State Tax Commission for the year ending October l, 1913 the Water Company's gross income from all sources was $551. .951.45. Its total operating ex- penses for the same time amounted to $23o 115.42. Its surplus from operations is $321 ,7760s The interest on it's bonded debt is $e27. .05s. .5S. interest on current li- abilities, $2,oG.3s; taxes. $49,S5779 Its total net income after the payment of the above is s42.S52.35 this being the amount theoretically earned on the company's stock. H4N
 As matter of fact, in view of the con- stant growth of Birmingham and the constant demand for new mains and new fire hydrants. the amount of money re- quired for extensions and Improvements for many years past has greatly ex- ceeded the net income of the company. available on it's. stock, and 1t has been necessary for the company to constantly borrow money In addition to its net earn ings in order to make the Improvements and extensions demanded by the growth of the community. Very respectfully.
 BIRMINGHAM WATER WORKS Cp. By H. H. HORNER. Superintendent Advertisement
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-06
WILL SPENCER FREED

Will Spencer, the youth who was arrested Monday night charged with being implicated in a robbery in Chattanooga, was released last night. Investigation by Chief Egan established the boys innocence of the charge. Sheriff Nick Bush of Hamilton county, Tennessee, in which Chattanooga is located, arr rived in Birmingham last night, acc companied by o. C. Pennybacker Chattanooga probation officer. They Identified Bob Spencer, W:lPs younger brother, and George Far ley, who were arrested at the same time as Will, as being wanted in Chattanooga on charges of robbing schoolhouse and breaking jail. The officers will return to Chatta- nooga with the prisoners this morn ing. Sheriff Bush stated last night that he might release Bob Spencer if he could find some one to voueh for him. s.-...,e .s sF8sAyss 5T
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-06
DECLINE ID WAIVE
 RIGHT OF SEARCH

London, January 5.--(6:55 D. m.
 Although the. foreign office regard! with favor the American governments rlan of certifying cargoes destined fol Europe, it wa said today that EngI land cannot accept such certificatio1 as an absolute guarantee of the natur\ of the cargo in case cause for suspiI cion arises after vessel leaves Aner1 ica. Tn other words, the right ol search cannot be waived, because of th) possibility of shifting cargoes at sea
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-06
SIMS COMMITTEE HOLDS
 PUBLIC HEARING TODAY

Mir. Sims in announcing today's meet ing, said that earlier notice of the date could not have been given as the commit tee had just finished it's investigations.
 It will be recalled that this committee is a subcommittee of the general commit tee. it's duties being to investigate and report upon the question of whether tho city commission can institute any proper economies in their present expenditures.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-06

Chairman H. U. Sims Of tine special sub committee to investigate and repor; upon the citys expenditures announced last night that this committee will hold a public meeting this afternoon at o'clock at the Chamber of Commerce auditorium. At that time the committee will be pre- pared to hear suggestions from any citi- zen upon the questions at issue.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-06
Deaths and Funerals
James A. Bledsoe

James A. Bledsoe, aged 55 years. for merly of Atlanta, died yesterday at a local infirmary after long illness. The deceased was well known in newspa- per circles in Atlanta and at times held several political positions, and has many friends who will regret to learn of his death. Funeral services will be held this afternoon at 8 o'clock at Shaws s chapel Interment will be at Elmwood
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-06
Beer Ordered Destroyed

A large quantity of beer and liquors seized by Sheriff McAdory in blind tiger raids made in various parts of the county was ordered destroyed by Judge E. c. Crow of the circuit court on condemna- ton proceedings. Sheriff McAdory Is seeking to destroy all the liquors seized by him during his term of office.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-06
Glaucus Evans

Clanton, January (Special) MT. Glaucus Evans. aged 40. formerly a citizen of Clanton. died in Tuscaloosa on January I, and the remains were thought to Clanton and buried here to- day. The deceased was sent to Tus- oaloosa for treatment.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-06
All For the Best
From Pucl

From Puck.
 Crawford-T see that the worlds supply of drugs is being imperi1ed by the war"
 Crabshaw-"Don't worry Perhaps nature will now get chance to cure us"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-06
Frank Goodgame

Cianton, January 5.-(Special.) Frank Goodgam., city marshal of Clan ton. died on Monday and was buried in the cemetery here on Tuesday morning. The deceased was 6s years of age and leaves a widow and large family of children. tA
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-06
Mrs. George B. Flint

Anniston, January e.-(special) )-Mrs. George B. Flint died at her home near Alexandria Monday morning after one weeks illness. Mrs. Flint formerly lived in Anniston. but has been living at La Garde. They purchased the McKleroy farm near Alexandria about two weeks ago and moved there. The remains were taken to Wytheville. Va. for interment.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-06
Discount Rate Reduced

Stockholm, January 5.-(via London, S:S5 p. m.)-The Bank of Sweden today re- duced it's discount rate from to 51l per cent.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-06

JOHNS Undertaking co. Phone iooa.
The Washington times., 1915-03-15
GOODS FILL
ROLES IN COMEDY
G. W. U. Students to Present
"SMeet Lavender to. Aid
Athletics.

The prettiest of George washington
University's co-eds are to fill the female
roles in the presentation of Sweet Law
ender," which Is to be staged to-
morrow and Wednesday evenings at
National Rifles Armory Hall.
The production will be. offered by the
George Washington University Players.
composed of students who have had
histrionic experience. Tho cast has been
rehearsing since the middle of Decem-
Der. and there are understudies for
every role.
Alden M. Wheeler. director OF the
players. Is maintaining the strict dis
cIpline over the embryo stars, and re-
Gently there was bruited about the cor
r.dors of the university in whispered
tones ne story OF how lie lad "fred'
the original leading man for failure
to appear at 9 rehearsal.
Betlow Mainch Marthinson Is the lead.
ing man. and he will play the part of Glenn
ent Hale. Dorothy Wheeler. the leading
lady, will fill the role Of Lavender Rolt
The other players and the roles they
will assume are as follows: Esther
| Elizabeth Galbrsith, Ruth Holt: Robert
L. Bailey, Bulger. the banker; Rober'
Meckley. DR.. Delaney; Alden NJ
The Washington times., 1915-03-15

Chairman Fitzgerald. lie estimates
the probabl deficit at Si0S,22a.b41.6o.
exclusive OF Panama Canal expendi-
lures. and approximately Sl33.O00.O00
inclusive of Panama Canal expendi-
lures.
The House OF Representatives can
and must be required to curtail ap-
preparations hereafter, declares Mr..
Fitzgerald.
The chairman OF the powerful Ap-
propriations Committee hints that there
are temptations in the way of the
executive department which may not
lead to retrenchment and that the
House must assume the task.
The House. he says, cannot syste-
matically remedy extravaganza so long
as eight committees have appropriating
power and general legislation is car
ried In appropriation bills. Concen-
trated authority to economize Is the
suggestion made by Mr.. Fitzgerald In
asserting positively that there must be
change If the Government is to cor
rect its present extravagances.
Mr.. Gilletts statement is a caustic
criticism of the Democratic party for
failing to carry out economy pledges
after assailing the Republican party
extravaganza.
The statements made by the ranking
Democrat and Republican of the House
Appropriations Committee are to be
printed in the final issue of the Con-
gressional Record, consent having been
obtained in the House that each should
issue an after-session analysis of the
ficial figures were made public last
night and they show that the Sixty
third Congress has appropriated, in
rohnd figures $2,23l ,0O0, 900.