davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-18
STORM SWEEPS THROUGH
 PARTS OF ALABAMA AND MISSISSIPPI
Killed and Scores
 Injured Near Meridian
 and MOntgomery-Dam- ages in Montgomery Esti- mated at $25, 5,000-Four Persons Killed at Meridian

Montgomery, December tT.-Clover- dale, the fashionable residential sub urh of this city, was visttcd by heavy wind Of cycIoric proportions shortly before noon today. Roofs of fences and trees blown down. Electric light and telephone poles and wire were leveIed, and the streets flooded with water. Street car traffic to that suburb was fnterfered with and tcic- phone connections disarrsnged. No personal injuries resulted. but the property damage is estimated st s25.- Ooo. The heaviest rainstorm in years visited this entire section during the day, a total of 3.12 inches being effi- ciaiIy reported.
 Serious property damage is reported at end around Orrville, Dallas county, and at Mountain Creek, Chiffon county. The home of Henry Brown, near Mountain Creek, was demolished and 10 persons in it at the time are reported badly injured. Physicians have been hurried to the Brown home. The Pyron homestead. in the same vicinity. was blown away. The family saw the cyclonic cloud approaching and vacated the house, escaping unln- jured.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-18
Underwood Victor Tn First Tilt With PenroSe
 Or Floor of the Senate
Aabaman Scores Papabe Hit in Maiden Senatorial Speech Defends Democratic Tariff Law Against Insinuations of Republicans = Democratic Revenue Measure
 Passed by Good Majority
By HUGH W. ROBERTS
Washington. pecer

Washington. December t7,-(Spe cial 1.-The resolution extending the special war tax for another 12 months passed the Senate this evening by a strictly narty vote. The feature of the all-day fight was the maiden speech of Senator Underwood in which he de- tended the democratic tariff law against the insinuations and charges of republicans, and incidentally floored Senator Penrose of Pennsylvania, who. with factious suggestions, persisted in interrupting. The democrats in the be-
 ginning argued that despite the un- popularity of taxation, it was necessary that the specal war tax, due to ex- pire December 31, be extended, that it authorized as it was a year ago. to levy the tax. The republicans, taking advantage of their first opportunity to repeat their old charges that demo- crats were incapable of legislating constructively, especially concerning finances, assailed the democratic tariff. the feature Legislation of the admins- tration of President Wilson. Early in the afternoon it become bruited abroad that Senator Underwood would reply. The galleries slowly filled, many members of the House having slipped across to witness the sport And at o'clock. Senator Underwood did reply. He argued con vincingly that had conditions been nor nal, the tariff as enacted during the first year of the administration would
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-18
WRECK OF TITANIC TO COST WHITE STAR
 $664, ,0O0 DAMAGES
Forty Four Attorneys Representing Claimants Manifest Willingness to Accept Amount in Settlement of All Claims Arising

New York, December 17.-The White Star Line has agreed to pay $664,O00 in set clement of all claims arising from the sinking of the Titanic cn April 15, 1912, when more than 1500 persons were drowned, George w. Bettes, Jr attorney for the line. announced here today
 Approximately s5O0.O00 would be dis tributed among American claimants, $50.- 900 to British claimants, and sl14.000 would be required for interest and expenses in connection with the numerous suits.
 Forty-four attorneys, representing that number of persons out of more than 60 who have filed claims. have signified their willingness to accept the settlement terms, it was said.
 The proposition grew out of the activi- ties of the claimants committee, ap- pointed last summer, which fixed the total claims at s2,500. .000 As about $500.000 would be paid directly to American claimants, it was explained that each one would receive approximately 20 per cent of his claim. The agreement, which calls for the money to be deposited in New York bank, is now being circulated among those having claims and must be acted upon by December 30 to become opera tive.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-18

. have raised sufficient revenue with which to run the government, He pointed out the fact that the European war had reduced the importation of foreign goods, and that revenue from tobacco and ligEors had been greatly decreased
 He had proceeded for about 10 min utes when Senator Penrose, securing permission to ask a question, faceti- ously remarked respecting the tariff declaring that from the beginning every one had known that the govern ment would require more revenue, and that now the government, despite the constructive legislation of democrats, was actually imploring for relief
 And then he added that because of the tariff, the iron and steel, with which San Francisco, following the earthquake and fire. was recon structed had been purchased in and delivered from England.
 "All but the senator is evidently aware quickly responded Senator Un- derwood. that San Francisco was de- stroyed and rebuilt during a republican administration, and that, despite the former tariff law England delivered iron and steel In San Francisco at s5 the ton, whereas Pennsylvania deliv- cred it on the Pacific coast at Sl0 the ton."
 It was palatable hit, the democrats smiled broadly, and the gallery broke into applause. In the cfoakroom, subt sequently, Senator Underwood wat warmly congratulated on the telling effect of his maiden address and Sen ator Bankhead, putting his arm around him, declared: oscar. I am proud of you today"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-18
Three Bandits Killed in Attempt to Hold
 Up Saloon at St. Paul

St. Paul, Minn,, December 1.-Two bandits were killed, third was mortally injured and a city detective sustained serious wounds in a gun fight which tonight followed an attempted holdup in saloon in an outlying district.
 series of saloon robberies caused the local authorities to place number of plain clothes men on guard at outlying saloons and two detectives were in the saloon when the three holdup men en- tered. They immediately opened fire, kill ing two of the bandits and fatally wound ing the third.
 The wounded bandit, who told hospital attendants that he was Alexander A. Charlton of St. Louis. died tonight. me bodies of the other two bandits have not be en identified.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-18
TODAY'S AGE-HERALD

1-Cyclone sweeps through Alabama and
 Mississippi
 Wilson drafting final note to Austria. Preparations complete for presidential
 wedding.
 Congress adjourns 2-Dr. Cruinpton in favor of bond issue. 3-The Holland letter. 4-Editorial comment 5-Forty-one candidates in race for board
 of revenue.
 Campaign begins in earnest for tax
 amendment.
 Jefferson theatre will be scene of Age
 Herald convention. 1000 new members is goal set by Motor
 and Country club. 6-Society. Mrs. Strickland dies at Bessemer. S-Sports. 9-Germans charged with conspiring tc
 blow up canal. 1f--Markets. F Mrs. Jacobs now on national board oi
 suffragists.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-18
MERIDIAN

Meridian. Miss, December 17.-At least four persons were killed and two score more or less seriously injured early to- day as the result of tornado which swept through several east Nussissipp. counties and passed into Alabama north west of here. Two negro women and two negro children were killed in Giles, Kem- per county, when structures they were occupying were demolished score of persons were injured and nearly 100 build ings for the most part occupied by ne- groes, were destroyed fin the town.
 Reports tonight indicated that the cy~ clone first appeared in Clark county. near Shubuta, 42 miles south of here on the Mississippi Eastern railroad. Several per- sons were injured and numerous struc- lures were destroyed or unroofed in Shu- buta. Near the town the tornado crossed the railroad three times in a space of one mile and continuing struck sMonasco and Brewer, injuring several persons and causing considerable property damage. Jumping from Clarke to Lauderdale county porth of here. the cyclone struck Obadiah and Cullum, and sweeping on through Temper county, passed into Ala bama near Scooba. Numerous personal injuries and considerable damage was re- ported at Obediah and Cullum. and ad- vices from Scooba stated that in Geiger, seven miles northwest of that place. sev- eral persons were injured and the rail- road station and other structures de- stroyed. The path of the tornado for . distance of nearly 50 miles north of Oba- diah was marked by damaged farmhouses and other structures. it was said
 Wire communication throughout the stricken districts still was interrupted to- night and only meager reports were avail able.
 The tornado did not reach Quitman, Miss, as previously reported in the path of the cyclone, but the immediate section was visited by a heavy rain and eiec- trical storm. One negro man was struck by lightning and seriously in- jured.
 Information from Columbus. Miss, stated that heavy property damage had been reported between that city and Fayette, Ala Millport, Ala. suffered heavily, it was said and several persons were injured there.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-18

Protests tant Episcopal church here. who is to perform the wedding ceremony, will officiate at the christening.
 President Wilson will act as godfather for the McAdoo baby, and her god- mother will be Mrs. Francis B. Sayre her aunt and Miss Helen Woodrow Bones the Presidents cousin.
 Decorators and florists were busy at Mrs. Galt's home today putting the final touches on the rooms to be used for the wedding ceremony and the entertainment of the guests afterwards. Members of Mrs. Galt's family inspected the large number of presents sent from all parts of the country The gifts included a huge wedding cake sent by number of wo- men in Minnesota.
 Elaborate arrangements were made for guarding the house during the cere- mony All traffic will be diverted from the street; heavy guard of policemen and secret service agents will go on duty about the house early in the evening.
 Details of the wedding trip were kept secret tonight, but it became known that the couple plan to leave Washington soon after the ceremony and to go to some point in the south. There will be TO effort to keep their whereabouts a Becr6G t.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-18
Presidential Wedding Arrangements Complete
 For Evening Ceremony

Washington. December 17-Arrange- hents were completed tonight for the Sedding tomorrow of President Wilson Ind Mrs. Edith Boiling Galt The cere- Sony will be solemnized late tomorrow ' ening at Mrs. Galt's home in the pres face of members of the two families
 All of the guests who will be present Ire in Washington. Mrs. Francis B. sayre of Williamstown, Mass, the Pres Vents youngest daughter, Mrs. Anne {cwe his sister, and Mrs. Annie Goth En, his niece, arrived during the day Md are guests at the White House. thers who came were Dr. William Boll- kg of Louisville. Ky, and Rolfe E.
 olling of Panama. brothers of Mrs. Ealt
 Most of the members of the wedding krty will witness the christening at the
 Aite House at noon tomorrow of Ellen
 iison McAdoo, the seven months old kughter of Secretary of the Treasury
 Ia Mrs. McAdoo and the President s
 1y granddaughter. The Rev. Herbert
 ott Smith. rector of St. Margaret's
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-18
BREWSTER COMES
 ON PREPAREDNESS

Montgomery, December 11.--(Special) William R. Brewster field secretary of the National Security league of New York. called on Governor Henderson to- day for the purpose of enlisting the gov erncr's support in behalf of the movement
 looking to national preparedness.
 The governor readily consented to Mir. Brewster's suggestion that he appoint a state committee to promote greater inter- est in the movement, and offered to CO., operate in any way possible toward guar anteeing national security through the medium of preparedness. l. This afternoon Mir. Brewster addressed the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce. and secured from that body the assurance that it will name committee to further the cause of national security.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-18
EXAMINING BOARDS
 NAMED BY HUBBARD

Montgomery, December T-(Special.) Adjut. Gen. G. J. Hubbard today issued an order announcing the appointment of state military examining boards for in- fantry and signal corps, field artillery and for the medical department
 For the examination of infantry and signal corps the board will consist of the adjutant general, the infantry inspector. instructor U. s. A., and the senior of- ficer medical corps, Alabama National Guard
 The board to examine field artillery will consist of the senior officer field artillery, the field artillery nspector-in- structor, U. S. A., and the senior officer medical corps The examinations will be held at such times and places the boards may or der
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-18
BOMB USED AGAINST
 CHINESE PAPER

Shanghai, China, December 17-A bomb was thrown tonight at the build ing of the Asiatic Daily News, news paper in the Chinese language launched last September to push the propaganda for the restoration of the monarchy The bomb apparently was thrown from the roof of house across the street The damage was small. and there were no casualties
 The News was the only paper here to publish the official orders in regard to the declaration of the enthrone- ment of Yuan Shi kai. The front of the building was blown in by bomb explosion in September. three persons being killed.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-18
Germans Dickering
 For ROumanian Grain

Berlin. December 17.-(Via London.) Negotiations for the importation of Roumanian grain are still hanging fire. The terms of sale it is stated. have been agred upon in principle but diff ferences remain regarding the method of payment and the valuation at which German marks shall be accepted.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-18
GOO HORSES DROWN
 IN THE NORTH RIVER

New York, December 17-Nearly 600 horses, valued at an average of $200 each, consigned to Brest, France. for the use of the allied armies, were drowned in the North river this afternoon when a barge sprang a leak and sank Most of the horses were raised in Texas.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-18
MOBILE

Mobile, December 1.-The Western Union Telegraph company and the Mobile and Ohio railroad report all wires into Quitman, Miss. proserated by cyclone. which passed over that section today. The storm is said to have done much dam age. No lives have been reported lost. Trains are reported as still running on the Mobile and Ohio.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-18
THE BILLIARD COMPANY

Morehouse, who temporarily had acted as president of the Billiard company, said he was called upon to produce the Billiard books for the interstate commerce e mmisson inquiry into New Haven af- fairs in February, 1914. This, he said, he refused to do after a conference with
 Robbins and Homer s. Cummings, coun- sel for John l.. Billiard. "It was decided said Warehouse, that the interstate commerce commission did not have autho.4,y to require those books.'
 The federal prosecutor, Frank M. Swacker then showed the witness min-
 utes of a meeting of the Billiard company
 March 23 1914, authorizing the transfer of the books and assets of the company to the St Lawrence Securities company. They were already in Canada at that time," Morehouse explained. He said that with the exception of $1.700,OO0 Eastern Steamship corporation bonds, he had taken the books and assets there in Oc- tcber 1913.
 Had you conferred with Robbins about taking these books to Canada?" asked | MT Swacker.
 'I don't recall,' said the witness.
 Do you mean the jury to infer that tLese books went to Canada without Rob- bins knowledge?"
 MT Rob bins had then disappeared from the affairs of the company" replied More house. who insisted that everything he had done in Billiard company affairs was | in behalf of John l.. Billiard
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-18
FIVE sCHooLBoYs KILLED

Berthold. N. D., December 17.--Six persons, five of them schoolboys and the sixth the driver of the school bus-were killed late today on grade crossing near here when a Great Northern passenger train struck the omnibus which was taking the children home from school The accident was believed to be due to heavy fog which pre- vented the driver from hearing or seeing the approaching train.
 The children, all under 16 years of age, were members of three families. One boy was fatally hurt.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-18
SEL,NI

Selma. December t7.-(Specal.) )-rhree and one-quarter inches of rain fell in Selma during five hours eadng at 12:so today. Probably the heaviest rainfall in 1 the history of the city. Reports say river | is rising at rate of one inch an hour.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-18
Defense to Make Motion for
 Dismissal After Two Months Trial
PROSECUTION FIRES
 ITS PARTING SHOT
Charges That Robbins Spirited Books and Assets of Billiard Company Into Canada to Avoid the
 Commerce Commission

New York, December 17.-Testimony in tended to show that Edward D. Robbins. former counsel of the New York, New Haven and Hartford railroad caused to be spirited to Canada the books and as- sets of the Billiard company and tried to prevent them from being produced be- fore the interstate commerce commission and the grand jury. was presented by the government today, which closed it's case against Robbins and 10 other former directors of the road, on trial for alleged criminal violation of the Sherman law.
 The trial now has been in progress two months and five days. On Monday counsel for the defense will make a mo ton to dismiss the indictment If it is not sustained, it probably will take the defcnse at least three weeks to present it's side of the case.
 The governments parting shot at Rob- bins was delivered through testimony re- luctantly given by Samuel c. Warehouse, New Haven attorney who took the books and assets of the Billiard company to Canada. This is the company which for period held for the New Haven the stock of the Boston and Maine rail- road, financed the Metropolitan Steam ship deal by which Robbins is alleged to have had the steamships Harvard and Yale transferred to the Pacific coast, and which had numerous other financial trans actions with the New Haven or Charles S. Mellen, the New Havens former pres ident
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-18
DUMMY TRANSACTIONS

What Morehouse did according to his testimony, was to organize in Montreal, Canada, the St. Lawrence Securities com pany, limited, which bought the stock of the Billiard company, once capitalized at $2,0oo0oo, for $10,0O0 the money for the transaction apparently having been fur nished by Robbins. The reason the for mer general counsel of the New Haven wanted the compary's approximately s1l.- 000,0o0 worth of assets transferred, ac- oording to Morehouse, was to escape the heavy taxes imposed upon the securities by the laws of the state of Connecticut. It developed from the testimony, how ever. that the Billiard company, although assessable for the securities at the rate of $50.000 year, had for four years never paid cent of taxes to the state, and that through a transaction negotiated prior to tF cir transfer $1o,0O0,0O0 worth of them were extinguished.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-12-31
U. S. FLAG DREW
U-BOAT VOLLEYS
More Shells Austrian Reply TO
the Petrolite's Six.
Foot Sign.
ID, Telegraph % he Thbun,. ]

Chester, Penn. Dec. 30.-Ihe Ameri-
can steamship Petrolite, Of the Stand
ard oil Compsny's feet. arrived at the
Pure OIL Compsny's wharvcs, Marcus
Hook, to-day with c thrilling story Of
the attack on the ship by an Austrian
submarine on December 5, one day out
Of Alexandria. Egypt.
Several shots were Aired at the .aRker.
despite the fact that Captain Thompson
swung his ship around broadsids at the
second shot, displaying the six and a
he!g foot sign ~. s. A." large Amerl-
can flag AZ tho mainmRst top and an
American ensign on the stern. The
Austrian craft then mgn@uvred for q
better position and continued It's sheIl
FIRE, one shot tearing great mole il
the side Of the ship.
Fred. LGrEen, q seaman, was etrueK
ty she'll fragments and injured. Gap
tain Thompson manned boat and Went
alongside the submarine. The captain
Of the wGrship then unfurled the Aus
tr.an Gag for the first time during the
attack. He examined the Americans
papers and questioned him, explaining
he thought the ship was an EnS!lsh
cruiser.
The Austrilns then demanded food.
but Captain Thompson declined TO give
Il 70 them, saying be needed al he had;
The Austrian commander insisted, and
when the small boat started 20 return
TO the ship for food il was halted and
one Of the sailors seized as 8 hostagS.
Captain Thompson declined TO dis
cuss the affair.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-12-31
SAYS SUNDAY RUM
IS ALBANY'S AFFAIR
Mayor Tells Anti Saloon League
Conditions Are Another
Home Rule Argument.

Mayor Mitchell set forth his views on
the enforcement Of the liquor law in
this city, especially in regard TO Sun
day closing, in a letter yesterday to
William II. Anderson state superin-
tendent Of the Anti-Saloon League.
Mr.. Anderson complained in a recent
letter 10 the Mayor that the law was
not being properly enforced. and that
the problem was handled much better
by the Mayor Of Chicago.
Mayor Mitchell pointed out that con-
ditions here were wholly different
from those in Chicago, where the
Mayor and city government had ample
powers over the liquor traffic.
"Some good people believe that the
Mayor of New York City said Mayor
Mitchell. could direct the Police Com
missioner to order all saloons closed
on Sunday and that the result would
be the tight closing Of tvery saloon in
the city. Such persons, though un-
doubtedly sincere, simply do not under
stand the situation.
considering the number of men IL
has at its disposal and the duties, in
finite in number and vital in import
ance. which it has TO perform, the Po-
lice Department is doing its best TO
enforce the liquor tax law. In the old
days. when there was a close alliance
between the policeman and the saloon
keeper, it was undoubtedly possible for
the policeman to close the saloons by a
word.
81 do not believe in working this
way. am not willing TO take any ac-
ton which would bring back the cor
rupt days Of police debauohery through
a hypocritical and insincere attitude
toward the excise question.
al it is felt that the existing liquor
laws are productive of an intolerable
condition, the remedy lies wholly in
the hands Of the Legislature, and such
citizens as are DESTROYS of a change
should seek relief at Albany. believe
so thoroughly in the principle Of home
rule that trust the day is not far off
when the people of this and other cities
will be allowed TO regulate their own
conduct "