davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
NEW RAILROAD TO GIVE DIRECT ROUTE
 TO GULF COAST
Route From Pensacola to KimbrOugh Now Completed and Trains Will
 Be Put in Operation at Once

Roy c. Megargel of New York, presi dent of the Gulf, Florida and Alabama railroad, accompanied by large party of capitalists, was in Birmingham for a short time yesterday. MT. Megargel, who is the head of the banking firm of Me gargel & Co.,, was en route to Pensacola to attend the celebration there incident to the completion of the Gulf, Florida and Alabama railroad from the gulf to Kimbrough Ala, and it's connection there with the Mobile division of the Southern railway He was Joined in Birmingham by L. Sevier, general agent of the South ern, and number of other officials of that line, who made the trip to Pensacola. Mr. Megargel and his party were travel ing on a special train.
 The Gulf, Florida and Alabama, which has been building out of Pensacola toward several years, has more than 150 miles of its line in operation already. Its con- nection with the Southern at Kimbrough will give the line a direct route into Bir- mingham and it is announced that trains between this city and Pensacola will be placed in operation at once The Gulf, Florida and Alabama IS continuing the work on it's line toward Tuscaloosa by way of Greensboro, and is placing the line in operation as fast as it is com pleted. The new system has splendid terminals in Pensacola, and it is expected to play an important part in the gulf coast business from the Birmingham dis trict in the near future.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
NO ACTION IS TAKEN
 ON NEW SUNDAY LAW
Special Committee Holds Meeting and Announces Action Deferred for
 Present

At an informal meeting of the special committee of the Pastors union which has charge of the drafting of the Sun day observance ordinance yesterday morning no further action was taken. The meeting was held at the First Christian church.
 According to the Rev. l.. F. Whitten, chairman of the committee, the Sunday observance ordinance as drafted by Commissioner James Weatherly was discussed but action was deferred for the present. Dr. Whitten further stated that the committee would not make report on the ordinance until next meeting of the Pastors union. which will be the first Monday in Feb ruary.
 Commissioner Weatherly, who pre- viously has taken part in the delibera toins of the pastors in regard to the closing of the moving picture theatres on Sunday, was absent from yester- day mornings meeting.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
ORDNANCE HELD
 TO BE UNREASONABLE
Important Case Decided in the City Court in Reference to Unpaid
 Water Bills

Verdict and judgment for $500 was re- in the case of Carrie Brown vs. the Birmingham Waterworks company, tried in the second division of the city court before Judge Charles W. Fergu- of an ordinance adopted by the city council of Ensley which required new tenants of a dwelling house to pay all indebtedness for water supply of former tenants before they could receive water service.
 The plaintiff stated she had rented a dwelling house in Ensley and offered to pay all charges for water service, but the company refused to supply water unless she paid a bill for water that had been incurred by previous tenant. This they contended was in accordance to the terms of the Ensley ordinance.
 Attorneys for the plaintiff held that the ordinance was unjust and unreason- able and submitted evidence to show that the plaintiff was willing and able to pay for water service and that she was materially damaged by the refusal of the company to give said service. Attorneys for the company held that they were governed by terms of the ordinance and had no discretion in the matter. The jury was out about one hour and a half
 Attorneys for the plaintiff were Messrs. Shapiro, Silverman and Hoskins; i; the defendant companys counsel was Walker Percy. The case will be ap- pealed, it is understood.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
JUROR IS STRICKEN
 IN MIDST 0F TRIAL
T. J. Payne Becomes Too HI to Serve and Mistrial Is
 Ordered in Powell Case

The trial of w. H. Powell was sud- denly brought to a close yesterday morning when T. J. Payne, a juror in the case, suffered from a serious attack of heart failure. The case was being tried before Judge William E. Fort, of the criminal court, and when Dr. Payne, brother of the ill juror and courthouse physician. and Dr. R. H. Hamriclk an nounced that the juror was too i'll to serve Judge Fort promptly declared a mistrial.
 The case was started Tuesday morn ing and a majority of witnesses had been heard. The case was postponed until February '. Powell was on trial for the murder of Tom Nicholson at Sayreton several months ago at a sing ing school. Assistant Solicitor James Davis was representing the state and Gibson & Davis the defendant
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
SESSIONS COMMENTS

Regarding the attitude of the prohibi- ton forces in the race for the presi- dency of the public utilities commission, Walter l.. Sessions last night made the following statement:
 'The prohibitionists as a body and as an organization are not making a fight in any race which does not directly or n- directly concern prohibition or it's en- forcement. Such is not the case with the presidency of the public utilities commits sion As an organization, the prohibit tionists will not inject the prohibition issue into race for this office, or any other office which does not affect pro- hibition.
 ''As individuals, the prohibitionists will of course vote as they please. and if the majority of them should happen to be of the opinion that the candidate who was prohibitionist was the best man for the place, I have no doubt that that candidate would receive majority of the dry votes. But officially and as an or ganization, the prohibition forces only make fights on that issue when prohibit tion and it's enforcement is al stake
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
Suits Filed

J F. Weir filed suit in the circuit court Insurance company and J. R. Riley. Plaintiff claims of the defendants the sum of $1O,OO0 as damages for alleged falsely and maliciously charging plaintiff with embezzlement
 George w. Hardy filed suit in the cir cult court against M. F. Worthington. The plaintiff claims of the defendant 5000 as damages for an alleged assault and battery committed by the defendant or his agent on the plaintiff.
 Napoleon Cook fled suit in the circuit court yesterday for 5000 against the Grand lodge, United Brothers of Friend ship. and Sisters of Mysterious Ten of Alabama, alleging breach of an agree ment
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
BUSINESS COUNCIL
 TO BE ORGANIZED

The first division of the business coun- oil of the Chamber of Commerce will be organized this afternoon when the at torneys who are members of the cham Der will meet in the directors rooms at 3:30 o'clock. Three representatives will be selected by the attorneys as members of the general business council.
 General Secretary w. C. Radcliffe stated yesterday that several different branches of the business council would now be organized daily until the entire 50 branches have been formed. Each branch will choose three members to represent it on the general council.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
HELP FOR BRONCHIAL TROUBLE.
 AND COUGHS

Foley's Honey and Tar Compound has wonderfully quick way of soothing and healing the raw, tickling surface of the throat and bronchial tubes. Will G. Richmond, Inglewood, Cal, says: "Foleys Honey and Tar Compound has greatly benefited me for bronchial trouble and cough" For coughs, colds, croup, la grippe and bronchial coughs. hoarseness, tickling throat stuffy, wheezy breathing it acts with wonder ful quickness and soothing effect. Sold everywhere.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
DELAY POURING
 LIQUOR IN SEWER
Some of the Large Quantity Now in Sheriff's Hands May Be Re-
 tained as Evidence

The large quantity of condemned liquor will not be poured into the sewer until the first part of next week by Sheriff Batson, The liquor was condemned by Judge B. M. Miller, of the circuit court, few days ago.
 Some of the liquor may be saved and used as evidence in the court proceed ings against the alleged owners before being emptied The liquor is in IS lots, ranging from one quart to several cases. All of it was seized in raids by the sheriff's forces during the past few months.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
DIR. BAKERS SERMON

pr. R. c. Baker had for his subject yesterday, civilization of Unused Spirit ual Forces"
 He said in part: "The thing that most moves the hearts of men today is the acquisition of power. We can none of us be very much of a power by ourselves The only way that we can become a pow CT is to get on the drive-wheel side of some energy. In every child of God there are spiritual forces. The problem is how to get these forces into action that they may increase in power and add bless ings to mankind. We all have more power than we think. Too many Christians are spiritual nonconductors. We do not look for organization and method, but we may fall short in power. Organization is well, machinery is well, but the living spirit and God pervades, permeates and moves the whole.
 Dr. Bakers subject for today is Prop CT Qualifications For Christian Work
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
At the Photoplay Houses

Strand-'The Golden Chance with Cleo Ridgely and Wallace Reid.
 Trianon-.'The Fourth Estate with Clifford Bruce.
 Odeon Two-'"The Thirteenth Girl" with Airline Pretty.
 Colonial-."The Other Side of the Door, 5 with Harold Lockwood and May Allison. Odeon One-"Water Stuff,'' with Art Accord.
 Princess-'The Misers Heart" with Robert Harron.
 Rialto-"The City" with Thurlow Ber- gen.
 AIcazar-"The Battle Cry of Peace,' with Charles Richman.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20

lock and dam at Sanders shoals in the Warrior river, five miles above Cor dova, may be built by the DeBardeleben Coal and Coke company.
 proposition has just been made to the United States government by this company, through H. T. DeBardeleben, president, in which the coal company offers to build the lock and dam at it's own expense and under government supervision. Senators Underwood and Bankhead are cooperating with the DeBardeleben company, and the gov ernment already has engineers at work on the proposition.
 The matter is now in the hands of Secretary of War Garrison, and imme- diately upon receipt of the reports from the government engineers it is believed that the construction of the lock and dam will be allowed.
 WOULD COST S1OO,OOO
 It is estimated by the engineers that such a lock and dam can be built at this point in the river for S100,000 and meet all the requirements of the govern ment. It is pointed out that the river is only about 250 feet wide and that an S-foot lift would be sufficient to back the water up 20 miles and make SipSey fork navigab1e the year round for that distance. Lock IA, which was built 13 miles above Tuscaloosa, cost approxi- mately $25O,000. At that point the river is nearly 900 feet wide and lift of 14 feet was necessary.
 The DeBardeleben Coal company pro- poses to construct this lock and dam for the sole purpose of avoiding a rail haul of 21 miles on it's coal from the mines at Sipsey to Cordova With this additional lock, the water will be navigable from the mines of this company to Mobile and New Orleans the year round. The freight from the mines at Sipsey to Cor dova, where the coal is loaded on the companys barges is 90 cents per ton. It is understood that the company now has contracts for the delivery of 5G0 tons per day in New Orleans and this amount is constantly increasing. The saving in freight on 300 tons per day for this rail haul of 2l miles would in two years pay the entire cost of the lock and dam.
 MILLIONS OF TONS
 The Sipsey fork runs through millions of tons of the very highest grade of coal in the district. It is stated that the quality of the coal along this fork, which would be opened up by the extension of navigation 20 miles up the stream, is much better than any other which is now directly on the banks of the river. It
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
VERDICT FOR BLINN Case Ended Which Has Been Pending in Court Over Three and Half Years

In Judge John H. MilIers division of the city court yesterday, jury returned a verdict in favor of the defendant in the case of Mrs $. H. Nunnally vs. George A. Blinn and the Excelsior laundry
 The case grew out of an alleged false arrest and has been pending over three and one-half years It was suit for sl0, 900 damages.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
ORANGE GROWER HERE J. B. Magruder of Orlando, Fla, Is Stopping at the Erckert Hotel

J E. Magruder of Orlando, Fla, is in Birmingham and is making his head quarters at the Erckert hotel MT. Ma gruder is a man of extensive property in- terests in Orlando, including a large orange grove, and he is planning to make arrangements here to dispose of his entire crop each season in Birmingham.
 He has about 50 acres of trees. In addi- ton to his orange business MT. Magruder owns three hotels in Orlando-the Arcade, Empire and Oak Lodge-and the Lucerne theatre.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
DE BARDELEBEN co. PLANS TO BUILD DAM
 AT ITS OWN EXPENSE
Built Across Warrior at Sanders Shoals at Cost of S1O0,OO0 it Would Make Sipsey River Navigable For 20 Miles and Put Millions of Tons of Coal on Water Route

will be recalled that when the Warrior was first used, some Alabama coal of very low grade was sold to steamship companies at New Orleans and Mobile, and as a result of the poor quality it was difficult for operators in the Bir- mingham district with a good grade to secure a hearing.
 It is stated by coal operato tors here that the coal in the Sipsey region had been highly satisfactory to the steamship com panes which had tried it and there ap- peared to be a fine market for coal of this grade.
 It will be recalled that survey of the Warrior river above Sanders shoals and along the Sipsey fork, which would be affected by the lock and dam proposed by the DeBardeleben company, was ordered some days ago after Senators Bankhead and Underwood brought the matter to the attention of the Secretary of War. An engineering party is now engaged in this work out of the Tuscaloosa office
 Under the federal statues, the Sec retary of War is authorized to allow private corporations to build locks and dams in navigable streams under di- rection of the government engineers. large number of rivers have been made navigable in this manner It ire quently happens that after the work is done, and the government finds that the volume of business on the stream juStifies the expenditure, the firm or corporation making the improvement is reim burSed bV the government
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
Marriage Licenses

The following marriage licenses were issued at the clerks office of the pro- bate court yesterday:
 o. l.. Suddath, Morris, and Miss Annie Gilmer.
 Charles Joseph Hughes and Miss Frankie Dee Moody.
 w. D. Londerbeck, Leeds and Mrs. Bertie Spradling.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
IncOrDOratiOn

The Dixie Southern Land company filed articles of incorporation in the clerk s office of the probate court yesterday with capital stock at $4000. The following of ficers were elected for the first year: H. H. Black, president John T. Wilson, vice president; Frank w. Wilson. secretary
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
PERSONAL

Julius Mento. minstrel manager of the Young Mems Hebrew association benefit minstrels, which will be given in the near future. arrived in the city last night to take up his work.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
DE BARDELEBEN TALKS

In discussing the matter H. T. De- Bardeleben, president of the company, said: we appreciate fully the value of an all-water route from our mines to the gulf ports. We now have a large business in New Orleans and some in Mobile, and the item of freight from our mines at Sipsey to Cordova, where we strike the river, amounts to several thousand dollars each month
 "We have proposed to the Secretary of War to build this lock and dam at our own expense without any obliga- tion on the part of the government to reimburse us. Of course, in simi- lar cases in the past it has not infre- duent1y occurred that the government, finding the work justified by the vol ume of traffic, repays the company constructing the locks and dams.
 "This lock and dam, according to engineers estimates, can be built for $l0o,000, and will render Sipsey fork navigab1e for a distance of 20 miles. This would open up an area containing many millions of tons of high grade coal and would put the best coal fields in Alabama directly on the banks of the stream. We are receiving the coop eration of Senator Underwood and Sen- ator Bankhead in this matter, and the Secretary of War now has it under con- sideration. A, survey. of the stream has already been ordered"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
MASONIC NOTICE

mon lodge. No. 46O, A. F. <& A. M., Is called for Thursday, January 20, at ? o'clock D. m.. to attend the funeral of Brother John A. Eggler. Interment at ElmwOOd. All Master MasOns requested to attend. T. A. LAPPAGE, w. M.
 J. $. WHITE, Secretary.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
FOR A BAD COUCH

Here is a fine fashioned recipe for coughs, colds or catarrh trouble that has been used for many years with great success. Get from your druggist l oz. of Parmint Double Strength) and add to 1t 1 pint of hot water and OF. of granulated sugar. Take one tablespoonful times a day.
 No more racking your whole body with a cough. Clogged nos trils should open, air passages of your head clear up so you can breathe freely. It is easy to pre- pare, costs little and is pleasant to take. Anyone who has stub born cough, or hard cold or ca tarrh in any form should give this prescription a trial.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
TODAY'S EVENTS
At the Theatres

Jefferson-"The Hawk with William Faversham. Evening at S:15.
 Lyric-Vaudeville Matinee at 2:30 D. m. Evening at 7:30 and 9 o'clock.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
OTHER CONFERENCES HELD

However, further conferences were held last night, following the arrival in the city of Ernest Fite, one of the prominent members of the majority forces of the legislature, and Judge Vert, also prom inent in the councils of the prohibition ists. In addition to Bibb Graves the three men who have been prominently mentioned for this race, conferred with Fred M Jackson and Walter L. Sessions
 During the day, conferences were held with other men prominent in the coun- cils of the prohibitionists and it is stated that the consensus of opinion among them was that MT. Merritt would make a most formidable race for the presidency of the utilities commission.
 It was intimated last night very strong ly that the race of MT. Merritt was to have the hearty support and approval of Ernest Fite and Judge Vert, both having positively decided not to make the fight for the place. The conference between the three attended by the pro- hibition leaders, was harmonious in the extreme.
 MT Merritt is an attorney at Tuskegee and has been prominent in Alabama. poli- itics for number of years. He has been a leader in several sessions of the legislature, and at the last meeting, when a strong candidate for the speakership, stepped aside in the interest of harmony and allowed A. H. Carmichael to be named without opposition save from the local ODtiOn forces
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
Real Estate Transfer

The following req, estate transfer was recorded at the probate court yesterday:
 $1750-James l.. Poston to Edward O.. Daniel, lot Il, in block IA, Central Park
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
Understood Vert and Fite Have Decided to Step
 Aside in His Favor
KENNEDY SEEKING
 TO BE REELECTED
Important Conferences Held Here Yesterday and Well Known Pro- hibitionists and Governor
 Conner Take Part

Before the setting of two more suns' Sam P. Kennedy will have opposition for the presidency of the Alabama public service commission.
 Henry P Merritt of Tuskegee, majority leader in the legislature, will in all prob ability enter the race today or tomor- row While his official announcement was not forthcoming last night 1t is con sidered absolutely certain that he will make the race. Ernest B. Fite of Hamil- ton, and Judge Thomas W. Vert of De- catur both of whom have been promi- nently mentioned in connection with this honor, will in all probability not make the race. Messrs. Merritt, Fite and Vert were all in Birmingham in conference last night, and at the conclusion of their meeting it was understood that Mr. Mer- ritt would enter the race within AS hours
 MT. Merritt, accompanied by Blpb Graves of Montgomery, chairman of the state democratic committee, and one of the prohibition leaders of the state, ar rived in Birmingham yesterday.
 During the day they conferred with large number of shippers regarding the race for the presidency of the utilities commission. Among the number with whom conferences were held, and by no means the least important, was B. B. Conner, former governor and close politi- cal friend and ally of both Messrs. Graves and Merritt. It was stated last night that MT. Merritt had received unusual encouragement to enter the race for the place now held by Sam P Kennedy, and his decision so to do was virtually made during the daV
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
NOTABLE VISITORS

The out-of-town attendance is large. Among those in attendance are Thomas c. Ury of Jonesboro, H., who is begin ming the work of Sunday school secre- tary for the Baptists of the southern DOT ton of his state; W. D. Hudgins of Estell Springs, Tenn, who is the state secretary for Sunday school work in his state; Prof. T. J. Yorke of Jasper, who is associated with MT. Strickland in the Sunday school work of this state; the Rev. George T.. Waite of Marion, pastor of Siloam Bap- tist church; the Rev. J. O. Colley, pastor of the Baptist church at Adamsville; Mis- sionary w. w. Adams of Ting Folk, China.
 MT. L. P. Leavell closed the days pro- gramme with a sketch of Paurs second missionary journey. in which he crossed the Aegean sea into Europe. Tonight MT. Leavells S topic will be, Paul, the Teach CT of the Churches"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
BROKEN BY
 TRAINING SCHOOL
Baptist Training School Shows Largest Attendance
 to Date; Interest Growing

Wednesday nights session showed the largest attendance to date during the fourth annual Baptist training school, held this week at the First Baptist church. Among the classes in which much interest is being manifested is the one taught by Dr. P. E. Burroughs, who is using as textbook Winning to Christ, of which he is the author.
 It is stated that at this point of the schedule all records in this line have been broken. The Baptists are said at present to be leading in this particular type of Sunday school work in the south, the faculty being in touch with the work that has been done in other cities.
 This is the first school to offer II classes in separate textbooks all meeting at the same time. and totalling over 300.