The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-21
BESSEMER NEWS

Bessemer September 20.-(Special) About 2:45 o'clock this morning the big two- story house on the corner of Seventh | avenue and Nineteenth street owned by | S. Bivona, an Italian merchant of this city, was badly damaged by fire. Con | siderable headway had been gained be- | fore the fire was discovered and when the truck left the station the flames were leaping high into the sky. Within four minutes after the alarm was turned In the firemen had three lines of hose on the fire. The house was unoccupied and was being repainted. The firemen are of l the opinion that the fire was of incendiary origin as there was a strong smell of gasoline, which. from appearances, had | been scattered over the house. causing the fire to make rapid headway resist ing all efforts to extinguish it. l It will be remembered that only few nights ago an alarm called the depart ment to the same place where there was a blazing can of oil under the house.
 Fortunately the fire had not ignted the floors and was quickly extingulshed. A negro suspect was arrested at that time, but was later released as there was not sufficient evidence to hold him. | The streets were crowded with specta- tors this morning watching the fire and the excellent work of the firemen has been praised on all sides. While at work on the fire, Onward Fountain, one of the firemen, was slightly injured when a line of hose got away from fireman and l knocked him off ladder.
 The damage is estimated at about $l200 Insurance was carried.
 The doors of the Bessemer city schools were thrown open this morning at S:45 o clock. Formal exercises were held fin the auditorium at which time short but interesting talks were made by the Rev l. F. Swallow. pastor of the First Presby terian church: the Rev. M. K. Thornton, pastor of the First Baptist church: Dr. A. A. Persons. superintendent of the schools; Prof. P. M. McNeil county su- perintendent of education; pr. R. P. Me Tyere, president of the board of edu- cation; Dr. l.. A. Spencer, c. l.. Dabbs, Professor Pittman, principal of the hgh school and many others. Following the exercises in the auditorium the different classes went to their respective rooms where they were given the lists of their books after which they were dismissed for the day. Work in earnest will be begun tomorrow morning
 Although the additions to the Roberts school and the Celarendon school are not quite ready for occupancy the grades to occupy these rooms will be taken care of until they are completed, which will be in about week. The prospects are very bright for the best year in the history of the city.
 Mrs. Jane Daly, S4 years of age, o:ed yesterday afternoon at o'clock at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Charles Ogleby, SIS Clarendon avenue. after long illness. The deceased Is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Fanny Swinny, Mrs Susie Ware and Mrs. Ogleby. with whom she made her home. The funeral was held this afternoon at o'clock from the residence of Mrs. Ogleby. the services being conducted by the Rev. MT. Good win. Interment followed at Saddlers' cemetery.
 At 12:3S this afternoon the Bessemer fire department received call for help from Smith Crossing where house owned by Will Bush was practically destroyed by fire. The Bessemer truck immedi- ately responded, but was unable to be of "a ssIstance as there was no fire plug near.
 At the same time hall, in which school was held, and four negro houses were destroyed at Parker Springs and although the local truck was called to this fire they did not go as there were no fire plugs or creeks, from which they could set water The origin of these fires are unknown and the damage Is estimated at about 5000 Both of these stations are between Bessemer and Birmingham on the North Bessemer car line.
 At 3:2O o'clock this afternoon a call to 2405 Seventh alley was answered A house occupied by negro was on fire. The blaze was of the roof variety and ,ol thA Ao n1u UA n mo nti In v to about $10
 The Brighton public school opened this morning at g o'clock and a most interest ing programme was rendered in the audi torium. short talks being made by the Rev. Mir. Weller, Prof. H. M. Sharpe. principal of the school. and number Of others. The enrolment this year will reach the 300 mark, which Is quite an increase over the attendance of last year.
 John w. Mcconnell, Jr., Dr. George D. Waller, A. s. Carrell, E R. Smith and H. C. Bumby left today for Kolola Springs, near Columbus. Miss, where they will spend their vacations. The trip was made in automobiles and the party expects to enjoy some fine fishing and hunting for 10 days.
 The Music club will hold an important business meeting Friday afternoon at O. clock at the pupilc ipIhiy anu "''S' G. B. Holingsworth. president. requests that all members be present as several matters of importance will come before that body.
 E. G. Higginbotham. d former resident of Bessemer but now of Prattville, visit ed friends in this city today.
 Mrs. A. J. Barnett of Manchester. Ga. is the guest of Mrs. A. D. Maddox on Eighteenth street
 Little Ellis Terry Jr.. will be taken to Birmingham Friday. where he Will undergo an operation.
 Mrs. Harris, accompanied by her daugh- ter, Mrs. Emory simpson. and little son, Emory Simpson Jr., will leave Wednes- day for Phoenix. Ariz.. where they go for the benefit of Mrs. Harris health While in the west Mrs simpson and brother will attend the exposition and will visit all points of interest in the west.
 ID nr,,co no o~adnIA who haR been uuito