davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-18
COSBY HONORED
 BY THE Y. M. c. A.

W. M Cosby has been signally honored by the Young Mems Christian associations |pf this country by placing him on the in- kernational committee with headquarters
 n New York city. This is an honor that eomes to few men. The international com mittee carefully went over the list of prominent men of the south and selected
 Mr. Cosby as the best fitted man for this Important position.
 | The international committee has super klsion of tho Young Mems Christian asso- tiations of North America. with a mem- bership of over 600.0OO and property valued ht t100;000, 900. There are 800 employed of- ncers and its work covers many depart ments. the most prominent of which are $he city, college, army and navy. student, .high school, county, colored men, Indians, Foreign, railway and other classes of men and boys
 MT. Cosby has been prominent in the
 ocal association many years. and has been one of the most important factors
 it's promotion and development. He has kiven liberally of his time and means, and
 s looked upon as one of its strongest friends He has been a close student of khe association and it's work, and is con- kidered eminently fitted to fill the high position to which he has been appointed.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-18
GREAT SUCCESS IN
 SIGNING PETITIONS Over Ten Thousand From This county Will Request
 Referendum Vote

With a success that seems to show IL -mistakably that the people of ths county desire to have the prohibition question referred to them for approval the petition that was started here last week for signatures is being signed
 It was stated yesterday by those in charge of the petition that names were being secured with surprisingly little elfcrt which, it was claimed indicated strongly that the sentiment here is overwhelmingly for reference of the bill to the people for a vote. Tfe pe- tition with over 10000 names to it will be sent to Montgomery perhaps to- morrow.
 The prominent business men that are engaged in getting the petition signed will deliver them to Maj. w. E. Leedy tt night or tomorrow at the latest and they will be sent to Governor Hender- son in Montgomery. It is hoped that the petitions will have sufficient weight with legislators to make them change their minds when the bills are sent hack to the lawmakers with a sugges- tion from the governor that the bills be sent to the people for vote.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-18

of the hills and the woodland. Again there was a round of applause and again the question, "Who is sae2
 once more the singer, this time seated at the piano playing her own accompaniment, sang with surety, beauty and strength that held her inn rromptu audience in admiration.
 The little singer was Mile. Jenny Du- fau, French soprano of the chicaso Grand Opera company. who earlier in the afternoon had given a concert m the hotel ballroom. Later she met Lit tell McClung, former publicity manager of the Chicago Opera company, who in tr oduced Mark Prentiss of the United Chamber of Commerce. w. C. Radcliffe and w. B. Everett of the Birminghaih Chamber ot Commerce. After a hearty cinnea the four men persuaded Mile Dufau to go with them up to the meg zanine floor and sing several ot the French songs that she likes best. With laughing complaisance. Mile Dufau got out several of her monst beautiful numbers while the people in the hotel N onoered, listened and admired
 Mile. Dufau will remain in BirmirS- ham until noon today. She will visit the Press club headquarters and the headquarters of the Crop Diversifica- ton campaign. Mile. Dufau is quite a farmer as well as a singer and be- ing altogether French, knows some thing about modern farming methods. She wants to see what Alabama is go- ing to do to increase the productive ness of it's farms.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-18
NOW IS CHANGE TO BUY PLANT, SAYS M'GEEvER

Hugh McGeeyer, member county board of revenue: Prom impressions gained by my first casual reading of the proposition in The Age Herald this morning 1 would say that it seems absolutely fair and square in ever. particular In the first place the rcduc- ton in water rates would mean much t. the people of Birmingham at this ;lnre. Second, the proposition afford- ing the city opportunity for municipal ownership seems entirely fair. l don't know how it could he made more fair,
 "We have been clamoring for mu- ncipal ownership and now is the chance. We'll never get better water The plan for fixing the price of the plant could not be improved upon, as I see it now.
 The city should accept the proposi- ton even if there was no chance of buying the plant, for then we would tc getting cheaper water rates and every five years we would have am ether chance to buy, which is a good point. l believe the public would over whelmingly stand by the commission in accepting the proposition and in voting bond issue now to puy the rlant."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-18
TATE HOPES COMMISSION
 WILL SETTLE TROUBLE

William l.. Tate of Woodlawn: "The Natervorks case should be settled. and think now is the time. The water com pany has made very fair and equitable offer to the commissioners. I have al- ways believed that water should be sold by meter as we buy gas and electricity. l saw in the papers a few days ago where S,000,o00 gallons were wasted one night by people allowing their faucets to run to Keep from freezing while they could have cut the supply off at the street and saved that tremendous waste. If people had meters this waste would not occur. and as l see it the economical way to sell water or to buy It Is by measurement. This should be the method pursued.
 ''i think this last offer of Mr Lynn of the water company is emnently fair and 1 hope that the commissioners will sec their wary clear to settle the fuss"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-18
COL. CAREER THINKS
 TIME IS RIGHTEOUS

Alex M. Garber, former attorney gen. eral of Alabama: ''I regard the offer of the Birmingham WaterworlSs company to sell it's plant and reduce it's water rates as propitious at this time.
 "As a citizen of Birmingham who con- siders the cost of water to the consumer too high. and one who believes the city should acquire the property, commend the company for showing this disposi- ton to settle its differences with the peo- pie of Birmingham on question that has agitated the public mind for so long
 "As a consumer on the flat rate I am not sufficiently familiar with the subject of meter rates to discern in the proposal any great reduction generally in water rates
 -'I am inclined to favor, however, the acceptance of the offer because or the accompanying proposition to sell, prov'd- ell the details of purchase are fairly worked out by contract. and the city is given any time, on reasonable notice, within five years, to make the purchase l hope the city commissioners will give the matter careful consideration.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-18
BATSON BECOMES
 SHERIFF TODAY McAdory Will Retire From Office Without Formality
 of Any Kind

Walter K. McAdory, sheriff of Jef- ferson county. will relinquish today tEe office he has held for the last four years to his successor, Thomas w. Bat son of Bessemer. No ceremonies will attend the change and Mir. Batson will be inducted into office by the simple method of Sheriff McAdory handing ovef to him the office keys and pa- ptrs.
 The list of deputies who will serve Sheriff Batson was published several Gays ago.
 Immediately after handing the keys and papers to his successor Mir. Nc Adory will go to Montgomery to attend the inauguration of Charles Henderson as governor.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-18
O'NEALS AT MORRIS HOTEL Apartments Engaged Here Where the Governor Will Make Future Home

Apartments have been made ready at the Morris hotel for Gov. and Mrs. Elm met O'Neal. They will arrive In this city perhaps tonight and Governor O'Neal will begin the practice of law in this city. It has been reported from time to time that he would be appointed refrtee in bankruptcy by Judge Clayton, all though close friends of Governor ONeal say off hand that he would not accept the place. However. Governor O'Neal will live here in either case It is stated that he may form a partnershop here with some prominent attorney.
 With the removal of Governor O'Neal to Birmingham this city will have the distinction of being the home town of several ex-goverpors. including Gov B B. Conner, Gov. w. ID. Jelks, Governor ONeal of Alabama and former Gov. w H. Sims of Mississippi
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-18
THINKS TT SHOULD BE
 ACCEPTED SAYS DEARBORN

Alexander R. Dearborn, Sr., real es state: There has never been time in the history of Birmingham when fight against a utility corporation has caused so much trouble. The company has made a great reduction and a wonderful or fer to the commissioners. l think It should be accepted.
 "The people have enough burdens to bear now without having to pay eN cessive water charges which are placed upon their shoulders by the failure or the commissioners to trade. l am strong ly in favor of the acceptance or this lat test offer l cannot imagine the water company making any better proposal even if the city were to win all or its contentious which is rather remote in my judgment
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-18
PRESENT RATES HARD
 ON REALTY SAYS BETHEA

s. Bethea, real estate and insurance; ''Ihe offer of the water company to the commission is fair in my opinion. And sincerely hope that it will be accepted. The property owners of Birmingham are using almost all of their property in- come, especially on small houses, to pay water charges. The charges now made under the old contract are high, but un- der this new offer of the company a very
 sincere and wonderful reduction is of- fered I trust that the people who are now in dire financial straits will have at least the satisfaction of having water reduced as they may under this new of-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-18
ADVANCE WORK ID
 BEGIN TOMORROW
Crop Diversification Cam paign Will be Discussed at
 Gadsden Meeting

The organization and the advance work for the Crop Diversification campaign will begin tomorrow. With Montgomery in the campaign, and the prospect of the capital city being head quarters for surrounding counties, the organization vii. go forward without halt.
 Tomorrow night Gadsden will be or ganized for the work with big meet ing under the auspices of the Chanber of Commerce in that city. Earl Lay, secretary has invited w. c. Radcliffe and W. R. Baughman from Birining- ham to present the plan of the cam. paign and help the people there get started for the work. Gadsden reports that the campaign in that section is already an assured success and that all the men and women, girls and boys will be at the town and country meet ings.
 Several trained advance men will arr rive from Texas this week and go out into the counties that have petitioned fer the campaign. Others will be fur nished by the railroads, the experiment. statoin and the United States govern rlent Agricultural forces in this state. It is not known yet how many coun- ties will be included in the campaign schedule nor has the date for the start of the campaign been/set. w. f. Redd, chairman of the general committee, hopes to announce before the week IS out the date of the start. The organ izers are hoping that everything will be ready for the campaign workers to SC out the first week in February although this depends upon the prog ress made in the advance work.
 The campaign will open with big meeting in Birmingham that will be attended by farmers, business e1en and educators from all over the state and ether southern states as we'll All of the forces in the work will be repre- sented at this meeting. The plan is to make it the largest meeting of it's klnd ever held in the south.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-18

'I believe it certainly would be wise for the commission to accept the rates offered. while the proposition of the company to sell it's plant seems as fair as it could be made. 1 have not doubt but what the voters would authorize a bond issue to buy the plant at the figure set by the board of appraisers
 "The recurring periods of five years at which the plant can be bought might be considered too long by some, but l agree with the waterworks company in this particular as otherwise therc would be a constant disturbance of af- fairs probably as bad as We have had in the past.
 T certainly am enjoying very much the prospects of the city's accepting the proposition, giving us cheaper water. a chance at municipal ownership and, last but not least, a cessation of hostili- ties"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-18
FOURTH NUMBER
 LYCEUM COURSE

Principal c. A. Brown announced yes- terday that the fourth number of the Bir- mingham Lyccum course will be given at the Central High School auditorium "Wednesday, January 25 This date brings Dr. Hugh Black of Montclair. N. J. pr. Black will use as his subject either The Art of Happiness or 'The Poetry of Robert Burns" It will be remembered that DI. Black last year gave his unique lecture entitled America Through Scotch Spectacles.' This popular lecture has at tracted wide attention because of it's time Illness and it's positive need. Dr. Black says of this lecture that it was inspired by the democratic policies of David Lloyd George. It embraced a study of the third political party recently born in the United States.
 As cordially as this lecture has been received. Dr. Black himself believes that either his popular subjects-"The Art of Happiness or his literary subject. "The Poetry of Robert Burns''-easily surpasses the earlier lecture.
 Dr. Black came to the United States nearly five years ago from Edinburgh, Scotland. He came to America primarily to accept the chair of practical theology in Union Theological seminary, which po- sition he still holds. The extent to which he has become familiar with the life and ideals of American institutions is fact of remark.
 pr. Black is recognized everywhere as a man of exceptional attainment of quail ities of mind and heart such as only a few men in each generation possess. As an orator he is perhaps without a peer. either in his home country or in America.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-18
ID COMPLETE PLANS TODAY FOR RELIEF |0F THE C|TY'S POOR
Mrs. Reid States the Num- Der of Deserving Fami- lies Needing Help
 Is Very Large

Chairmen of all the committees ap-
 rittee will meet today at the head
 quarters in the Chamber of Commercc
 building to complete the plans for the
 white streamer' day in Birmingham
 when donations for the relief of the
 poor and distressed will be received
 Thursday. January 21, has been se- leeted as the day when the collections
 will be made. Mrs. J. B. Reid, chair ..
 man of the committee. stated that It is hard to realize the amount of actual
 want and suffering that exists in ..nd around the city of Birmingham at the |rresent time. No less than 60 able todied men appeared before the com mittee Saturday aid stated their fam- Il flies were in actual need of the neces- sities of life. With the aid of dozen or more men who volunteered thelr services to make investigations almost |cvery applicant was found to be worthy and temporary relief was given to these Families Saturday.
 Mrs. Reid stated that many of the Applicants were men who had mad lit tie or no employment for the past few months, many of them mechanics who had pawned even their tools in or |oer to get bread for their families. and that their distress was through no fault of thcir-own. ass Every person who can is earnestly 'requested by the committee .o make some donation either of money, food or clothing as the needs urgent and the resources few. The white streamers will be distributed through the school children tomorrow.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-18
NEWSDEALERS ARE
 PUT UNDER ARREST
Recent "ScurrilOus Publication" Ordi- nance Brought Into Use For the
 First Time Yesterday

Several arrests of newsdealers were made yesterday under the so-called "scur- rilous publication ordinance recently adopted by the city commission. The com plants were made by l. T. Howle. pro- prietor of The Searchlight, weekly pub llcation. and charged that the dealers were selling Watson's Magazine and Jeff fersonian.
 Among those arrested was Webster Har- ris of the Birmingham Magazine and Postcard Co. 1171a North Twentieth street. Mir. Harris said that no specific article in the magazine was cited but that he was instructed by Chief Egan to appear in recorders court tomorrow afternoon at 1:3O o'clock.
 Others upon whom warrants were served included Adams Drug Co.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-18
TO OBSERVE LEE
 MEMORIAL DAY

Camp Wilcox. Confederate Veterans, will observe the Robert E. Lee memor- ial exercises at the Clark & Jones mu- sic hall on Third avenue Tuesday aft ernoon, January 19. commencing at 3 O clock. All veterans. camps of veterans, Daughters of the Confederacy. Sons of Veterans and the public generally has been invited to attend this patriotic serv- ice. Capt. John G. Smith, commander of the camp, will preside. The programme will be as follows
 My Country 'Tis of Thee" audience.
 Prayer pr. l.. c. Branscomb.
 Address, pr. John D. Simpson, presi- dent Birmingham college.
 Dixie" Owen Gillespie.
 Presentation of crosses. by Daughters of the Confederacy.
 Holy City" Miss Norma Scholar.
 Address. Mrs. Chapel Cory.
 Requiem by Sidney Homer; Mother Q Mine.' Kipling-E. R. Farley, bari tone
 Reading. Mrs. John w. Prude.
 God Be With You Till We Meet Again." Audience.
 Benediction.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-18
TRAIN LEAVES
 FOR INAUGURATION TODAY

on fast schedule to Montgomery. The train will leave Montgomery this evening and will reach here sometime before mid night. There will be second section of the special If the Birmingham men de- sire to stay for the inaugural ball to- night in Montgomery. Mir Evans said yes terday that he was of the opinion that quite large crowd would make tre trip this morning. The interest here in the in- auguration of MT. Henderson is very great and besides that the inaugural ball tonight is an affair In which some of Birmng- hams social leaders have evidenced the greatest interest.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-18
CONTROVERSY HAS HURT
 CITY, SAYS MESSER

M r. Messer, well known real estate man: From my first casual reading of the waterworks company's offer as it appeared in The Age-Herald this morn ing, l certainly am In favor of accept ing it. believe it will satify as many of the people of the city as could be expected to agree on any proposition.
 Tt would stop the disturbing water works row which has been going on here for sometime. and which has been injurious in many respects, not only to matters within the city but 1t has in . jured the city in its outside influences.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-18
LUMBER RATE HEARING
 TO BEGIN HERE TODAY

spent. and will then go on to St Louis for u week. The case according to Mr. Wat kns. involves all of the lumber interests of the southern states, and is the taking of testimony in plan of the lumber men to effect reduction in rates to points on and south of the Ohio river.
 The case is considered one of theUho important now being heard by agents of the interstate commerce commission.
 It is expected that at least 90 attorneys and others interested will be present this morning when the hearing Is opened. Mr. Watkins said the testimony was being taken over the country in order to accom- modate the lumber men who were inter- ested.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-18

Lumber merchants and railroad attor- neys from various points between Texas gar Watkins, attorney examiner for the interstate commerce commission begins one-day hearing of the lumber rates in southern states.
 Mir Watkins arrived yesterday with two court reporters, while during the day quite a few railroad attorneys and others reached the city. The hearing will start in the federal building this morning and will be concluded today so far as the Birmingham end of it is concerned. MT. Watkins will go from here to Louisville, where the remainder of this week will be
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-18

Memoli's concert band. will depart from the Louisville and Nashville station this morning at s o'clock with Birmingham s contingent to attend the inauguration in Montgomery today at noon of Charles Henderson as governor of Ala abama.
 R. V. Evans, who managed the cam paign of MT. Henderson in this county, is in charge of the party. and has made all the arrangements for the trip to the capital. The train will be in charge of passenger department men of the Louis vile ad Nashville, and will be operated
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-18
SETTLE LITIGATION
 SAYS DR. w. H. MURPHY

pr. w. H. Murphy, 126 North f1ity- seventh street, Woodlawn: l read the ol- fer of the waterworks company and am convinced that the litigation should be settled It Is apparent that very fair trade has been offered the commits sion. As a matter of tra0ng, however. it occurred to me that the city might make counter proposal to the water company. However, that may be left to their judgment. but think the htisation sht tuld be settled without delay. l be- lieye in settling disputes of this kind amicably."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-18
RIDDLE RESIDENCE
 DESTROYED BY FIRE

The residence of George F. Riddle. deputy clerk of the city court, was to- tally, destroyed by fire Cat Roebucls Springs about o'clock last night.
 with MT. Riddle. states that 1t is be- lieved the house was burglarized and then accidentally or Intentionally set on fire by the thieves. MT. Riddle left for Montgomery before news of the fire reached him. Mrs. Riddle stated it was impossible for her to estimate the dam age but that 1t would be several thou- sand dollars, as valuable cut glass. sl- verware and similar furnishings were de- stroyed with the heu6e.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-18
Supper Dansant at Tutwiler

The second of series of Monday night supper-dansants will be held to- night at the Tutwiler hotel in the meg zanine ballroom from 10:45 o'clock until ls:45. The dance will be attended by a great many members of tho dancing set of this city. The orchestra of Pro- lessor Wiegand will furnish some new dance music lately received from New York. The attendance tonight after the treatres will doubtless be very large
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-18
ALFLUCKIE GOES
 WITH HAGAN-DUNLAP

gists in the city. has severed his connec- ton with Gunn's Pharmacy and mas gone with tbe Hagan-Dunlap Drug company which recently opened new store at Third avenue and Twentieth street. Mir. Luckie has a wide circle of friends whom he made while connected with John L.. Parker's, Gunn's and other drug stores fin the city. He is considered one of the best men in his line in the state.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-18
GOOD TEST OF BUSINESS
 ABILITY, SAYS M'DOWELL

M. H. Mcdowell: The proposition is an interesting one and seems fair. hope it will receive a business consiG. tration. Three mayors and one com missioner have been elected by rid ing the waterworks band wagon and only strife has resulted
 Every investor in Birmingham de- serves fair treatment and should be protected. Divorce any business qles- tion from politics and the people are always fair. The opportunity to settle the water controversy is now up to the commissioners with the people in tAe background and a good test of the business efficiency of our present city government is a. hand"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-18
JOHN S. LEEDY THINKS
 IT SHOULD BE ACCEPTED

John $. Leedy of W. B. Leedy X Co.,: "I think the offer, of the water com pany to the city, is a very fair one. It should be accepted. The water company has apparently made wonderful conces- sions. and it should be settled busi- ness proposition. I feel that the city commissioners would be standing in the light of countless number of Birming- ham citizens if they fail to stop this litigation and consummate this trade.'