davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-23
ORDINANCE SENT ID BOND EXPERTS Election Will Probably Be Called for Early in
 March

The ordinance and act of the legislature to authorize the city of Birmingham to issue bonds for $1,25O000 to pay its cur rent indebtedness has been sent to Dil- lon & Thompson. bond experts of New YcrS city, in order to have them regularly passed upon.
 The city commissioners expect to have a reply from the New York lawyers by the end of this week. and therefore, ex- rect to pass the ordinance calling the bond election at the meeting to be held a week from today. The election would then be advertised according to law which being set sometime the latter part of March.
 There is some confusion, it is under stcod, in the minds of the board of com mssioners in regard to using this cleo ton as a general clearing of several Is- sues which have been agitated before the public for sometime, or whether to confine it alone to the bond issue ques- ton.
 It has been suggested that the issue of Sunday motion picture, the five commits sipHcl-Dlil dilu Otiler cOnteiupldteu leSlS- lf-tion effecting Birmingham be placed before the people at the same time as the bond election in order to afford them an opportunity of registering their will. It is argued this would tend to bring out a maximum vote. but as to whether such a step would tend to confuse the issues one with the other and thereby result in harm is yet under dispute.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-23
ECONOMY PLANS
 FOR CITY DELAYED
No Further Conferences to Be Held Until TOmOr-
 row or Later

The retrenchment plans of the city commission have been temporarily held up on account of the waterworks nego- tiations and the regular business con- nected with the regular weekly meeting today. It Is probable no further con ference on the matter will be held until tomorrow or perhaps later.
 It was reported yesterday that a straight horizontal cut in the salaries of the department heads and highly paid city employees was contemplated. The commissioners themselves declined to make any further statements on the question.
 It was also reported that none of the smaller salaried employees will be ef- fected. One of the commissioners ad- mitted it had practically been agreed to cut their own salaries He declined to say how much, but it Is believed 1t will be between 5000 and 5000 per annum they now being s7000 per annum.
 Information was refused in regard to whether or not any departments will &C., tually be eliminated or any employees dis pensed with.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-23
FINE ATTENDANCE
 AT BIRTHDAY PARTY Newspaper Club Last Night Celebrated First Anniver-
 sary of Institution

The Birmingham Newspaper club cele- brated it's first anniversary last night
 The club was packed with members and friends who called during the even ing to exchange solicitations with the officials and to enjoy the dancing and other attractions arranged for the first birthday celebration of the institution. During the evening there was dancing in the dining room, while later on the management of the club arranged sev- eral vaudeville acts which interested entertained the diners.
 The club was organized and occupied it's present home in the Jefferson county bank building one year ago. At the opening over 5000 persons inspected the place and pronounced it superb. The club has operated during a most dis couraging commercial period but at the same time the interest has been con- stantly maintained, and the outlook is held to be exceedingly bright
 During it's first year the club has en- tertained some of the most distinguished men who visited Birmingham, and has staged some entertainments said by those attending to be nothing less than wonderful. The affair last night was not the least enjoyable of the entertain ments accorded the members, and every one seemed to appreciate the fact that the club officials are constantly ar ranging something interesting in which all of the members participate.
 The affair last night is one of a series that will be given at the club during the next few months.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-23

Late yesterday afternoon the new waterworks contract was formally ac- cepted by the city commission.
 That act marked the close of nego- tiations which have been in progress nearly two months. and it is generally believed means the end of the water works fight which has waged with ceaseless fury and entanglements in Birmingham for the past several years
 Thereby a vigorous, and in some in- stances, bitter controversy has come to an amicable settlement, which there would seem every reason to believe will be ratified by the people.
 Effective April 1, 1915, the new con- tract will afford to the water consumers Sof Birmingham a big reduction in water rates and will give to the city the op- portunity of municipal ownership by right of purchase of the entire plant of the waterworks company at any time between April l, 1915. and January 1, 1921, at which time the city would have secured this right anyhow, in part by the expiration of the 1888 contract.
 AS far as the average water consumer is concerned, the rate to be charged for the water he uses will be 20 cents per thousand gallons; the minimum charge to be $2.25 per quarter
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-23
EVANS REPLIES ID DISARMAMENT
 ON SINKING FUND
Letters Made Public to Show That T. c. Mcdonald Bore Expense of the
 Investigation

Frank Y. Evans yesterday made reply to the statement of Commissioner George Ward in Sundays Age-Herald. His re- ply is in the form of correspondence be- tween himself and T. C. Mcdonald. the two letters being as follows
 Birmingham, Ala, February 22, 1915.
 Capt T. C. Mcdonald Cit,
 My Dear Sir: Referring to the con troversy in regard to the diversion of the city's sinking fund. l desire to have you state your connection with the ex- animation of the account, and with the published statement made thereon by MT. Felix Blackburn. 1 also ask that you allow publicity to facts in regard to your participation in the matter
 My statement to Commissioner Ward was that 1 did the work by request of Mir. Blackburn and under his direction, anc that l was compensated therefore. but l did not feel required or authorized to state to him the source of my compen sation and did not do so. Yours very truly, FRANK V. EVANS"
 Birmingham, Ala, February 22, 1915.
 MT. F. V. Evans, City.
 
 of even date, will say that as a citi- zen and taxpayer of this city. I felt q deep interest in the investigation of the sinking fund, and when l learned that Mr. Blackburn was seeking information thereon I approached him and urged him to proceed. He told me that he had re- ceived reports and statements from the city hall which he did not fully under- stand and that it would require the serv- make plain these statements. I suggested that as Commissioner Ward had desig- mated you as suitable person to do this york; and as I had faith in your ability to do so l wished him to request your services. Mir. Blackburn answered that he had done so, but that you had told him that you would charge for such service a price beyond his willingness to pay, and that he had made no trade or arrangement with you I then called upon you and made contract with you on my own responsibility, compensating you according to your terms, and instructed you to make report of your findings to Mir. Blackburn, who was to bear no part of the expense attached to your service. MT. Blackburn was not employed by me as an attorney in the case. but af- filiated with me as a fellow citizen and fellow taxpayer without financial consd- eration.
 "I regard his work in exposing tn, diversion of over $700,O00 of trust fund by authorities of the city administra- ton as q most commendable service, and in no wise do l regret my participation in the work of disclosure. Yours truly. "T. c. M'DONALD."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-23
ARLISS SEES CITY
 FROM PRESS CLUB

George Arliss. the famous actor who many claim is greater than the late Rich ard Mansfield, visited the Birmingham Newspaper club yesterday and was amazed with the appointments of that club. He shook hands with Maj. w. C. Weston, the designing architect, and with Eugene F. Enslen. the man who buii. that structure, and told them how proud they should feel over such a building.
 MT. Arliss enjoyed very much, he said, the etching presented to the club by Henry Mosier the celebrated artist, and he said he knew Mr. Mosler and con- tldered him one of Americas greatest painters.
 'I particularly like the promenade" :" said Mr. Arliss. 'FIt is so wonderful. cannot remember when I have enjoyed a visit to club so much as I have this one. Your planting system on the promenade appeals to me wonderfully. I like to see bulbs growing There is So much charm in seeing things grow and know you are soon to see them burst into bloom
 T am amazed with Birmingham s growth Mir. Arliss contin1ed. 'I re- call my former visit as to a very small though busy place. And I would never have realized what a tremendously great place this is if I had not been kindly asked to view the city from the club. 1t is all too surprising
 MT. Arliss is one of the most charming, men that ever visited the press club and he made a very delightful impression upon many of the members to whom he was presented.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-23
Ailments of Men Happily Overcome SUCCESSFULLY TRIED DY
 MANY

Undoubtedly the following sug- gestion will work wonders for that great class of men who, through dissipation of their nat ural strength, find themselves in their second childhood" long be- fore the three score and ten aI- lotted to life's pleasures and en- joyments are reached.
 It is presumed to be infallible, and highly efficient in quickly re- weak vitality, me1ancholia and the functions.
 By taking it at home no man need be the wiser as to another's shortcomings, and expensive fees are avoided.
 Lack of boise and equilibrium in men fs constant source of embarrassment even when the public least suspects 1t. For the benefit of those who want a re- storation to full. bounding health, and all the happiness accompany- ing 1t. let it he stated that the prescription calls only for three grain Cadomene tablets. in sealed tubes with full directions for self administration. The tablets con tain no opiates or habit forming drugs. so a physician's presc-ip- ton is not necessary. Well stocked pharmacies supply these tablets which possess the most wonderful tonic invigorating powers imaginable The effect of their use is soon apparent in new strength and nerve force.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-23
BIG REDUCTION IN RATES AND CHANGE
 TO PURCHASE PLANT
Becomes Effective April 1-Provision Made for Arbitration of Disputed Water Bills-Jelks Cabaniss
 To Be Umpire-COntract
 Reprinted IS Times
What the Contract Provides

That water rates shall be 20 cents per 1000 gallons, meter basis, throughout Greater Birmingham, minimum per quarter, $2.25.
 That any time after April 1, 1915. when agreement becomes effective, city may buy entire plant of water works company.
 That people may hold referen- dunn at once on contract or may wait and exercise virtually same power when bond election on pur- chase clause is held, at which time if bond election is defeated the municipal ownership clause of con- tract virtually becomes void.
 That Weatherly and HanSins suits now pending, which attack corporate life of the Birmingham Waterworks company, shall be dis missed.
 That board of appraisers shall fix price to be paid for water companys plant. providing people in referendum election do not de- feat contract as agreed to.
 That umpire named and paid by city and water company shall act as board of arbitration to settle present pending disputed water bills.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-23
WHAT THE PRINCIPALS SAY

and for the public. The more rne people see of it and understand it's provisions the better pleased they will be"
 A. O. Lane: 'T regard the contract as very satisfactory in respect to rates. The purchase clause is very desirable if the people wish to own their own plant. The settlement should be doub- ly valuable because it was reached amicably.''
 A. M. Lynn: "I don't know what I could say except to pay my highest compliments to the members of the city commission. They certainly have driven good trade; they have got
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-23

James Weatherly: "The city has se- cured peace on terms that not only are honorable, but are profitable and at the same time secures the power to purchase on a friendly basis, without prolonged litigation. At last it Is with in the power of the people of Birming- ham to own their own waterworks plant if they want to. I regard the contract very satisfactory one to the people, especially in regard to the mu- nicipal ownership clause and the pro- visions giving the lowest water rates we have ever had
 George Ward: "I believe the con- tract is exceptionally good for the city
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-23

everything out of the situation there was to be had. I wish to thank them for the fair and courteous treatment they have displayed in the negotiations of which this settlement Is the result.
 As for the waterworks company, 1 firmly believe that after today we will assume new and different relation to the Birmingham public. We have honestly. sincerely and conscientiously tried to do the fair and square thing. We want the confidence and respect of the people of Birmingham, and it shall be the policy of the company as long as it may maintain business relations with the people of this city ii the future, to keep to the front a disposition to treat amiably, peace ably and fairly with all,'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-23
A pERsONAL sTArEMENT

There are so-called honey and tar' preparations that cost the dealer half as much but sell at the same price as the original and genuine Foleys Honey and Tar Compound. We never offer these limitations and substitutes. We know you will buy Foley's whenever you need a cough syrup If you once use it. Peo- pie come long distances for tho true FOLEY'S-over thirty yearss the lead ing remedy for coughs. colds. croup. whooping cough. bronchial and lagrippe coughs. For sale by all druggista
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-23
Tern Schooner Lost

Lunenburg, N. S., February 22.-The Terr schooner w. Cortada, owned here, has been posted as lost with a crew of eight men. The Cortada is 42 days out on voyage from Lunenburk to Ponce, R. R. Her owners believe she is lost in the gale of January 23.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-23
In No Position to Aid in Criminal Work, He Says
 in Statement '
5000 CASES ARE ON
 DOCKETS OF COURT
More Than Are Pending in Criminal Court, He Says-Actuated by Hu- manitarian Motives in Agitat-
 ing for Relief of Situation

Judge Hugo l.. Black, solicitor of the criminal court of Jefferson county, yes- ter6ay issued statement in which he discussed the proposal that a grand jury be summoned in the circuit court for the purpose of aiding in the clearing Of the criminal court docket
 Judge Black points out that the circuit court is in no position to assist in this work, being badly in need of help itself. He says that at present there are over 5000 cases pending in the circuit court. which is more than in the criminal
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-23
SAYS THE COURT
 HOUSE IS FILTHY


 Melville Riley. well known New Yorker who has had occasion to visit the courthouse and who has evidenced his interest in Birmingham on more than ore occasion, passed this remark about the Jefferson county courthouse yester- day:
 This is supposed to be the richest county in Alabama. Am I right? Well. think this interior of the courthouse Is a disgrace It is the filthiest most disreptuable place I ever saw. and it IS inhuman to allow persons to work there. in my opinion That's all"
 Steamer Orduna Arrives
 Livopool, February 22-(Via London, II 1:2S p. m.)-The Cunard line steamer Orduna, which left New York Febru- ary g. arrived here tonight
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-23
CITY MAY BUY PLANT
 ANY TIME AFTER APRIL 1

At any time after April 1, 1915, the city has the right to buy the entire plant of the waterworks company. In case the city and tfie water company officials cannot agree on price, a board of appraisers is to be appointed by the two parties to the deal, whose duty it shall be to appraise the property and fix the price.
 The city authorities are then bound to accept this appraisal and buy the plant, and if they refuse on any grounds the contract provides referendum shall be held and the appraisal placed before the people. If the people uphold the city government, no proposition can be made again to buy the plant before 1921. If, however, the commissioners accept the price as fixed by the board of ap- praisors bond issue is then to be called and through this means the people again will have the final say as to whether or not they like the proposition; authorizing the bond issue if they do and denying it if they do not favor the proposition as made by the appraisal board
 As a recompense for this offer of lower rates and a voluntary permission for the city to buy it's plant. the city commission
 (Centinued on Page Eight.l
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-23

Flat rates are set out on a similarly reduced basis, but in actual effect the entire city will be placed on meter basis as either the watvr company or the consumer has the right to demand that kind of service.
 There is a clause in the contract, how
 ever, which stipulates the minimum un- der a meter charge shall be no more
 than three-fourths the flat rate would be in similar case and this will work out in a way that will afford small residences of two three and four rooms a minimum on the meter basis of as low as SLIP per quarter.
 | There will be no meter rents, except on the large meters supplying single stores and industries.
 l The city is given the right to use all
 water for municipal purposes under me- ter measurement and at the same rates as are now in effect. This includes all , water taken by the city from the water | works company for resale through the small municipal plant in old North Bir- | nfingham and in return for this there l is provision inserted that the license tax of the water company for any year shall be per cent of its gross income | for the preceding year.
 | The company is not to be compefle0 l to install more than 5000 meters per
 year on service pipes now on flat
 rate basis and having no meter. All
 consumers having meter connections,
 however, will immediately be placed on
 the meter basis when the proposition becomes effective.
 For the first time in Birmingham, the
 contract contains a rate regulating the
 rate to be charged for private fire pro- ] lection systems
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-23
Statement by Black

Ills statement was as tOlloWS
 Tn view of the fact that it has been suggested by some that the overcrowded condition of the criminal court could be relieved by the circuit court I have made some investigation in order CD ascertain the praetieabllty of this plan
 "l wish it to be thoroughly undersiooc that it makes no difference to me from what source relief is given, if the de- sired result is obtained-namsly that of giN ing immediate trials to all defendants charged with violating the laws. 1 would welcome the assistance of the circuit court if it was in condition 10 grant 1t, but the facts are it Is not, and the trial of criminal cases was not contemplated by the act creating this court.
 This is proven by the fact that the act creating that court provided for the organization of a grand jury only when specially ordered by the judge ana by th, further fact that the circuit solicitor was charged in the act with the duty If setting as assistant solicitor of the solici- tc, of Jefferson ceunty. In addition 70 this fact the act creating the criminal court of Jefferson county itself trans fersed all pending criminal eases of the circuit court to the criminal court. It is. therefore, too clear for argument that the criminal court was intended to be used as the exclusive tribunal for ormi- nal pa1lens
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-23

This shows about 20o0 more pending cases than we have in the criminal court, with the same number of judges we now have in the criminal court. i am also informed by the same authority that some of these cases have not even been set for trial for three years. Only short time ago the city commissioners jointly requested the clerk of the circuit court to have the cases appealed from the re- ccrders court set down for trial, and a superficial survey of the circuit court records will show that this same delay which has liberated so many criminals in the criminal court, has released with out punishment a proportionate number in the circuit court. If not another suit should be instituted in the circuit court and the two able presiding judges of that court continued to work every oay of the term MT. Merrill informs me that 1t would be between two and three years before the docket could be cleared
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-23
Not Question of Salary

For this reason. it can be understood by all that the circuit court cannot re- lieve. but in fact needs help itself.
 My salary is in no wise affected, by crowded docket or a clear docket. since it comes from the general fund of the county, but in the interests of the de- fendant to whom the fundamental law of the grand jury guarantees as speedy triai, and in the interests Of the great masses of law abiding citiz Chs who desire de- cent orderly and effective enforcement of outraged laws, I insist that adequate machinery is imperative. l shall give the people my best service, whether with two or three judges, but I cannot set quietly and acquiesce in a condition which has already besmirched the reputation of the imperial county of Jefferson. and made Its name the synonym of lawlessness and dleoI Ger"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-23
Circuit Court DOckets

"The dockets of the circuit court ac . col ding to MT. Jim Merrill, chief deputy clerk, show approximately the following
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-23
FLAT RATES ARE
 ALSO REDUCED

to be $2.25 per quarte,
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1915-06-06
@Samples, Worth to $3.50, 81 .39

From famous maker of soc and 81 SO Waisabou
hundred of these hmy Wolfe Bue over embroidery with the
flat collar and black bow Some with the scaoped
with and collar of embroidered orsandy.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-03-13
RUSS ELL.

John Arends Of Cedar Falls came IN
Thursday to act as principal of the high
school for three weeks in the absence
of Miss Palmer who is at her nome
at Strawberry Point, Iowa.
E. G. Latham made a short business
trip to Chicago, returning home Thurs
day.
John Vinsel returned to his home at
Des Moines after visiting his mother,
Mrs. Mary ]. Vinsel.
Clyde Tabler and wife of Weldon,
are moving to the Chas. Humphrey
farm south of town.
Mr.. and Mrs. Edgar LaRue are the
proud parents of baby daughter born
Thursday, March 4.
Mrs, Joe Stearns and children de-
parted for Cameron, Wis, where Mr..
Stearns has purchased farm ana tnev
will make their future home.
Mr.. and Mrs. Arthur Werts are re-
joicing over the arrival of a son at
their home March 4.