davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-21
Earnings of Southern
 Roads Are Up 50 Per Cent

financial condition than the southwest ern Wages in some departments were reduced men were laid off and rigid econ- omies instituted. Today southern rail- ways are more prosperous than for some time
 Deductions from net revenue for tax accruals and uncollectabie bills show the ratio of increase in net earnings per mile in the case of eastern railroads to be greater even than the net revenue increase. Thus. while the net revenue increased within l2 months from $SO7 to- s6O9 mile, the net earnings increased from s227 to s52s a mile, more than 13o ger cent. The net earnings per mile i'm creased on southern roads from si6S to s275. more than 50 per cent and on west ern roads from sl4s to sl75, about 1T per cent
 The volume of business done by the railroads of the country. the statement shows. is far in excess of the amount done year previous. Total receipts in January from all sources of the chief railroads of the country. including all Tkpse income was moro than uooo.o0o. wS4. sa6cO64,S Soe. and total operating ex- pepes $lS2,ssl, ,2es. leaving s77.l7aoS7 as net reSi2&ne. Deductions from this brought the earnings down to ssl.sl6. 2sS.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-21
HOUSE ARMY BILL TO' 60 ID THE SENATE.
 ALMOST AS DRAF TED.
Chairman Hay Is Hopeful That Final Vote Will Be
 Reached Today

Washington, March 2o.--By refusing definitely to increse the regular army provisions of the Hay bill the House today made it almost certain that the measure will go to the Senate vir- tually as framed and by an overwhelm- ing vote. Chairman Hay of the military committee was hopeful tonight that a final vote could be reached tomorrow.
 The net result of the days debate on proposed amendments was to sus- tain the recommendations of the Pres ident as to the size of the regular army. The Hay bill carries virtually the pro- gramme mapped out by former Secre- tary Garrison in this regard, but sub stitutes the federaliation Of the Ma tional Guard for the continental army. The President has approved it's general outline but stands uncommitted as to details.
 DEFEATED THREE TIMES
 Three times during the day the House defeated proposals to increase the peace strength of the regulars. fixed by the Hay bill at 10000 expandable to 175.00O
 tContinued on Page Twelve)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-21
THOMAS TAGGART |S
 NAMED ID SUCCEED.
 SENATOR SH|VELY
Gov. Ralston Announces Appointment and Indiana Leader Is Given His
 Commission

Indianapolis, Ind, March 2O-Thomas man, was appointed United. States sem ator to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Senator Shivley by Governor Ralston today.
 The new senator has been prominent in politics in Indiana for 25 years. and has maintained the leadership of the democratic party in Indiana practically all of that time. The only offices MT. Taggart has ever held were auditor of this (Marion) county for two terms and three times mayor of Indianapolis
 Governor Ralstcn wrote Taggart a let ter saying it afforded him genuine pleas ure to appoint him United States sen ator
 You have long and faithfully served your party said Governor Ralston. .at great personal sacrifice to yourself, both in labor and in money If the demo- cratic party has been sound in it's plat form declarations during the last 25 years, then you have been sound in your advocacy of political policy for without hope of personal preferment. or reward, you have championed the cause of your party with dauntless courage and an inspiring optimism.
 Your services as a public official nave been characterized with marked effici- ency and the strictest integrity While you have been at times severely criticized by some within and some without your
 (Csntinued on Page Two)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-21

Washington March 2o.-Southern raii- roads increased their net revenue more than go per cent within the last F months; eaatetn roads have virtually dou- bled th4rs and 'western roads added about Is per cent, according to figures made pubic today by the interstate com merce coatafssion,
 These coghpapisons covering the month of January,s ,sshdE. that eastern roads re- ceived an average ner revenue or soVs per mile operated compared with ssVs pex mile year previous; southern roads sSlo per mile agafxSt $2o5 in 1915 and western roads s217 per mile against 1S1. Ex- perts attribute the wide disparity in the ratio of increase between eastern and western roads largely to the poor show ing of railroads of Texas, Oklahoma. New Mexico and Arizona, and to14Qme extent to the virtual cessation 8fcch- merce with Mexico.
 Railroad experts now are seeking to learn why southwestern roads have failed to respond approximately to the gen eral revival of prosperity throughout the country. A little more than year ago southwestern and southern roads were In virtually the same predicament. tho southern roads perhaps being in worse
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-21
Life Secrets Of Lorin1er
 Will be Barred by Himself

out burglar. That sort of thing makes an impression on jury and there is only one way to combat 1t and I am going to take that way. MT. Lorimer is going to take the witness stand nd W hen he is through. his whole life, his heart secrets from the time he was a newsboy and bootblack until he was elected to and busted from the United States Senate will be barred.
 The newspapers of Chicago have been after MT. Lorimer as a corrupt political boss. want the fact that Mir Lorimer is to testify spread broadcast. so if there lis q single person in the country who knows of one single act of crookedness on the part of the defendant I want him tc come forward and give his informa- tion to the states attorney But if there is nothing proved by the state as to single act of corruptness on the part of the defendant. I don't want to hear anything about corrupt politics and Lor- rimerism in the closing arguments.''
 MT. Fink asserted that the soler ella tion of bank to its depositors was that of debtor and creditor.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-21
Summary of the News
GENERAL NEWS

GENERAL NEWS Page 1-Carranxa troops allow Villa to slip through their fingers, not CO., operating with American forces. Jets of liquid flame used in latest attempt on Verdun. Foreign policy of Wilson defended by Representative Dent. House army bill will go to the Sem ate exactly as drafted. Debate nearing close on armOr plate plant bill. Tom Taggart appointed United States senator. Page 7-Carranxa proposes joint agreement for troops after Villa. Page 2-Unable to agree on G. 0. F. keynOter. No presidential primary in Georgia to be held.
 STATE NEWS. Page 9-Cheney trial will conclude to- day.
 Petit jurors not doing duty in Mobile, says Martin.
 LOCAL NEWS Page 5-Nearly 15O men get medals for 25-year service with Southern. Gulf States fine example of using opportunities as they are offered. Why the coal trade Is slow to join era of prosperity. s.RidiculOus," says Ward of plan for RAAO-ACes Mitchell coming in next few days. Wants Birmingham to assert her rights.
 subcommittee of Sloss- Sheffield di- rectOrs here. Page 7-To report today on Fashion Week.
 FEATURES Page 2--New York stories by Bir- mlnghnm man. Eootiizhts and Screen. Page 3-Holland's letter. Page 4-Edit0rial comment. Page 6-SOciety and Dolly Dalrymple Page 11-Markets.
 SPORTING NEWS Page S-BIount County High swamped by BarOns. Dr-s.ls winner of great wrestlina Ff.Ate.s are in prime condition for big bout.
 EIlan, working hard to whip Vols into shape. Banquet for Athletics club basketsall team.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-21

Chicago, March 20.-Outlining his de- fense of William Lorimer in his opening statement in the trial of the former president of the LaSalle Street Trust and Savings bank. accused of conspiracy in connection with the failure of the bank. Attorney Albert Fink today took excep- ton to virtually every contention ad- vanced by counsel for the state. He as serted he would prove that many of the acts charged by the state were un- known to MT. Lorimer; that the failure of the bank was precipitated by adverse action by the Chicago Clearing House as sociation; that MT. Lorimers instructions regarding loans made to him had not been obeyed, and that the political prorni .ernce nence oi the defendant had contributed to the feeling which eliminated in the bringing of chsrges against him in re lation to the conduct of the bank of (which he was fhe neau.
 "A "rhe case xcomes right down to the fact that May Lorimer was United states senatoR said Mr. Fink If he had been presldfnt they wouio inaAe n''ii
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-21
never were operated.

The discussion will continue to- morrow under an agreement to be- gin voting on amendments at o'clock in the afternoon. Demo- cratic leaders are confident the bill will pass by large majority, sub stantially as reported by the na- val committee.
 Senators Lodge and Lippitt opened the attack today, declaring the bill would drive private armor plate manufacturers out of busi- ness and inevitably delay naval construction Senator Lodge said the government could not produce ar nor plate at the price it's experts had estimated and that it would be almost criminal for the nation to cripple it's arnor plate capacity when a five-year navy building
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-21

programme was just being under taken.
 Senator Tillman said that the government had no thought of driv- ing private manufacturers out of business and insisted that if war should come the government would need an armor plate plant of it's own to supplement the capacity of the private concerns.
 Senator Hitchcock said govern ment manufacture of armor plate would tend to remove a suspicion that national disputes were aggra- vated into wars by manufacturers who would profit by the sale of war materials
 Senators Penrose and Oliver plan to close the debate for the opposition tomorrow. Senators Till man and Swanson will speak for the bill.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-21
suCCESS IS EXPLAINED

Paris, March 20.-"Relat1ve numerl- cal superiority from which an assail- ant always profits at the beginning of an action," was given semi-officially to the Associated Press today as the explanation for the initial German sue cess at Verdun.
 At tie moment the Germans took the offensive we could not engage more than the forces we had. provided for holding the line,' says the memoran- dunn, "because the Germans might have feinted before Verdun and attacked Nancy en masse, or they might have made their principal assault in the direction of Amiens of Calais.
 ."rhe greatest difficulty of the gen eral staff in such emergencies is to
 tContipued on Page Nine)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-21
CARRANZA SOLDIERS ALLOW VILLA TO SLIP
 THROUGH THEIR HANDS AND ESCAPE TO HILLS
Constitutionalists Are Not Co-Operat- ing With American Troops and the Bandit Moves Freely In Section of Country Supposed to Be Held By Cdrrdnza's Men-El Pdso Uneasy ODer Mo0en1ent of Soldiers

E Paso Tex. March 20The forces of Colonel Cano engaged in battle at 430 o'clock this afternoon with bandits led by Villa Namiqupa according dispatch received this afternoon by General Gavira Caranza commandant uaez The result of the fighting decided at the time of the cept of the dispatch Namqupa in the district of Guerrero state of Chihuahua
 Colonel Cano is in of force of cavalry which in contact two days ago at E Vale with Villa forces which on this occasion fled without giving battle
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-21
REBUILDING OF NAVY YARDS ON ATLANTIC
 AND PACIFIC URGED
-C0ngressmen From South Carolina, Virginia, Wash ington and Pennsylvania
 Before Committee

Washington. March .2o.-The immediate uphuilding of navy yards on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts was urged upon Con- gress today by representatives and sen ators from South Carolina Virginia. Washington and Pennsylvania The House naval committee, which is hear ing testimony on the naval programme. was told that the Charleston. Norfolk and Philadelphia yards had been neg lected and should be developed into first class condition.
 Senator Tillman and Representative Whaley of South Carolina. joined forces dock at Charleston. s. c.
 After reading to the Senate a letter from Rear Admiral Benson chief of na val operations. in which the admiral en- phasized the need of a drydock south of Hatteras Senator Tillman charged that the Charleston navy yard for years had been target for misrepresentation and falsehood.''
 QUOTES BENSON,S LETTER
 Had the navy department been friendly or even willing to be just to Charleston" Senator Tillman said the Cooper river would have been dredged out long ago, and the yard made access sibe to the whole fleet.''
 The South Carolina senator quoted a part of Admiral Benson's letter. in which it was stated that the only example so far in the European war which empha- sized the necessity for drydock in the vicinity of an action was the case of the
 (Continued on Page TwoJ
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-21
Debate Nearing Close in Senate On Tlllmdn Bill
 For ArmOr Plate Plant

Washington March 20-Debate in the Senate the Tlman bill for $ 100000 government plate factory close tonight with republicans assang the project as menace to the nations safety and democrats defending it pre- cautonary step worth all it would cost though plant atol
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-21
Powerful Thrust Between AvOcOurt and MalancOurt
 by Fresh Division Is Re
 pulsed With Heavy Losses
65 ALLIED z AIRCRAFT TAKE PART IN RAID
 ON HOUTTAVE BASE
Renewed Activity Around Saloniki-Rea for h. itial German Success at Verdun Explained

Heavy battles have been in progress northwest and northeast of verdun and on the northern part of the Russian front, where the Russians are keeping up their strong offensive against the Germans. In all these zones the losses have been large while the changes in position have been relatively unim- portant
 Northwest of Verdun in the sector of Avocourt Malancourt. the Germans, after terrific bombardment, made d vicious infantry attack, in which liquid fire was employed against the French front A fresh German division brought up from reniote point participated in the operation The French, however with their curtain of fire, aided by ma chine guns and infantry, put down the attack with heavy casualties to the as- saulting forces, except in the eastern part of the Malancourt wood some 10 miles from Verdun, where the Germans made slight progress.
 Berlin reports the repulse, also with heavy losses, of the French who at tackled the village of VauX, northeast of Verdun Elsewhere around the fort ress there have been only intermittent bombardment and continuation of fights in the air between French and German ayiators
 RUSSIANS CHECK GERMANS
 Although Berlin claims that the Ger mans again have repulsed the Russians in repeated attacks with strong forces around Postavy and between Lakes Narocz and Dreswiaty, Petrograd re- ports German check south Of Lake Dreswiaty and the capture of German trenches in the Lake Narocz region. Several villages in this district also have been taken by the Russians.
 Tn Galicia the Russians have cap tured Austrian trenches and q bridge head east of the village of Mikhaltche. There also has been considerable fight ing between the Austrians and Rus sians along the Dniester and Bessera- bian fronts.
 On the Isonzo lines the Italians have recaptured from the Austrians trenches on Santa Maria heights. Later, after ndNlnS SlOppeu AuSlliOi touiteI q taeks, the Italians retired to another position from portion of their ad- ivanced line, in order to avoid being enfiladed by fresh Austrian batteries Artillery engagements have been IT progress on the remainder of the Aus 1 tro- Italian front.
 | The Russians continue their pursuit | of the Turks in the Caucasus region and have taken additional prisoners and guns. An attempt by the Turks | to advance in the Black sea littoral was 1 stopped by Russian naval and land guns.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-21
READS FROM REPORT


 the report but I want to call attention to some of it's interesting features. l read:
 The history of the present raids can be said to have commenced with Nthe Cortina war in 1859 and 1860. N
 But after the close of the war comA menced the pillaging on the Texas bor-. der. It will be seen that the constant and immense robbery of cattle which is the basis of this entire system of out rages, has in the later statements, hardly been mentioned. as the murders and off'er crimes ~hel have grown ont of 1t overshadow it. The question with the people has become one Of existence not of pecuniary loss.
 From their entire immunity and the great attraction of the spells. their num- bers are continually increasing. From the oldest times and among all people punishment of crime has always been considered necessary to prevent it's in- crease; but here we have the strange srectacle of a community openly suosist- ing on crime. while there is no pun ishment for them. Their own nominal government is not strong enough to in flict it, while the government of their victims-our own government-from q highly refined sense of international po- likeness. has refrained from inflicting it.
 This state of things is wholly que 10 the inactivity of our government How strangely similar is that ian- gnage to the language we hear today in criticism of President Wilson. This was written in January. 1876. I read further'
 "A few years ago some energetic chas- tisement convincing the plunderers that there was some danger connected with their trade, would certainly have checked it but the impression that our troops dare not cross the river has made them feel at ease
 Does not that sound like present day history? I read further: When, after a hot pursuit. the rob bers and their spoil reach and cross the river and our brave troops stand help less and overwhelmed with shame on the American side of a small river. and bear the taunts and insulting gestures of the escaped robbers and their friends, our nation and it's government becomes m their eyes as they do not study the subtle arts of diplomacy, an object of scorn and contempt.
 MISTAKE GOVERNMENT
 All statements agree that the au- thority of the national government of Mexico on the border is only nominal. Such is the insecurity of life that (Continued on Page Two,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-21
MOVES ABOUT FREELY

It now seems certain that Villa has been moving freely in at least large section of the country supposed to be held by the troops of the first chief. In the last few days he has been variously reported by General Gayira, the Carranza com mander at Juarez at points along line reaching north and south from Galeana to Namiquipa, distance of about 75 miles. By the same accounts he had not been moving steadily south, but row ing north and east. The mountainous, canyon split, roadless country in which S he is operating adds many miles to the country he has covered as compared with its distance on the map.
 The reason for the Carranza troops moving to the border remains unex- plained. It is impossible even to make a fair estimate of the number of men un- der General Gavira at Juarez. The large staff at his headquarters and the fact that new troops are arriving daily indi- cates that his force is large one. The most conservative estimate places it at 5000 and calculations range from that point upward to 5000. Every precaution has been taken to prevent the facts be- Ing known ana IHoSt oI tne men are kept outside the town among the hills. Re ports from Agua Prieta and ojinaga tell of Mexican re-enforcement reaching those points also, but nothing is known as to their numbers
 FL PASO IS UNEASY
 There is no question that there is serious and growing uneasiness in El Paso which has been sharply ac- centuated by the problem which has arisen over the request of the United States government to General Car ranza for the use of the Mexican rail- roads to transport supplies. Americans here do not believe that Carranza dare grant this request, especially as it is understood that General Funston pro- poses. if it is granted. to take train
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-21

crews ana equipment into MeX1co ana place military guards at the stations. The presence of American soldiers on Mexican railroads, it is said, would be very likely misunderstood by the peons and it is feared would be sure to pro- yoke outbreaks.
 On the other hand, there are many indications here that the Mexican rail- roads are sorely needed by the Amer ican military authorities to ship sup plies to the troops in the field At the present time these supplies must go forward over a desert and mountain trail by wagons and mules. The pres sure is intensified by the fact that all most all the forage for the cavalry horses must be sent from the base, as the corn and oats fed mounts of the troopers of the United States could not live on the diet that will support a Mexican pony. Ominous reports are re- ceived here that the transportation system is already overtaxed and it is this feature of the situation that causes the deepest anxiety and the most ap- prehension. This anxiety has not been lessened by the news that Carranza has deferred the issue by a request for more information from the Washing ton government
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-21
CITES REPORT or COMMITTEE FROM
 THE 44TH CONGRESS
Johnson, Grant and Taft Took Similar Course and Had to Bear Similar Criticism r. sse
 a
By HUGH W. ROBERTS

Washington March 2o.-(speciai. )--Rep- resentative Dent of the Second Alabama~ q in defending the preparedness" bill of the Itonse military committee of which he vice chairman, has presented hr .Esdable proof that the Mexican policy
 President Wilson, until recently spb-t jected to such bitter criticism, is, as matter of fact, the traditional policy Of the United States as nation.
 The policy pursued by President Will son in regard to Mexico,' he declared, lis not a Wilson policy or democratic po- icy, but it has been the policy of the government of the United States ever since these troubles began on the Mex ican border Report No. 34S. Forty-fourth Congress. first session, made by a com mittee of Congress composed, of course, of democrats and republicans. contains the proof