The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-10-22
REFERENDUM WILL BE
 TRIED FOR FIRST TIME
Bilbo Appeals for Funds to Aid Old Soldiers Home-Jackson Wants Farm Loan Bank---Troops
 Off for Border
By E. E. FRANZ


 the gauntlet at a statewide" mass meet ing, held here this week, and during which lurid speeches were made by sev- eral of those who ride on the water wagon all the time. Among the speakers were Senator Vardaman, Governor Bilbo, Congressman Collier, Miss Anna Gordon, president of the National W. c. T. U., and a few lesser lights. The burden of their song was that should Mississippi vote against these new prohibition laws it would be a long step backward, and that was not to be thought of. One of the local speakers declared, among other things, that the newspaper that prints whisky advertisements is worse, if possible, than the man who stood behind the counter and sold it. Senator Vardaman stated that he was opposed to the initiative and referendum inserted in the constitution of the state and hoped 1t would be repealed. He also said that he had several engagements to speak for the democratic cause in northern states, but if needed at home, he would cancel all of them and stump Mississippi for prohibition and the Weak ley bill. MT Vardamans friends were somewhat surprised to learn that he ob- jected to the initiative and referendum amendment because of the fact that it was his friends and followers who got it through the legislature.
 Governor Bilbo lined up good and strong with the prohibitionists, stated he had never appointed dinking man to office, if he knew it, and that he was ready to close up his office at the cap- itol and canvass the state from one end to the other.
 FUNDS FOR OLD SOLDIERS A few days since Governor Bilbo ap- pealed to the citizens of Mississippi to raise s5000 for the purpose of building additional room to the Soldiers Home, where 225 indigent Confederates, their wives and widows, are now being cared for He stated that 93 others have been passed on by the directors of the home. | and accepted, but the institution is filled 1 to overflowing and no others can be admitted. Responses have been prompt | and already about $550 mas been sent in. The Daughters of the Confectionery, Sons of Veterans and other kindred organiza- tions are at work in every county, and it is not doubted the sum needed will be in hand in a few more days.
 OFF TO MEXICAN BORDER '"The First Mississippi regiment is at last on the way to Fort Sam Houston, near San Antonio, Tex, ready for any emergency that may arise, it being gen. orally conceded that the majority of them would rather fight than eat" The chances are that had the regiment re- mained shut up in the camp a few weeks longer, the different companies would have been fighting like cats and dogs among themselves. They have been inn patient to get away ana were dissatis- fled with the routine of camp life, though allowed great many liberties, they will not taste in Texas. They had been well drilled by experienced officers and put
 
 sidered themselves ready to shoot Mex jeans two months ago. The troop train pulled out of Jackson in three long sec tions, each section carrying four com panies on 10 Pullmans, five flat cars, three box cars and two kitchen cars all under the general command of Col. George c. Hoskins Thousands of cti- zens of Jackson remained about the depot five or six hours while the troops were embarking cheering them to the echo as their trains pulled out.
 BUSY DIPPING CATTLE
 Mississippi is credited with being in the lead of all other states in the dip ping of cattle, the number dipped dur ing August being 7O5424, which was 15.- 600 more than in July. The last legis- lature gave the state general dipping law, making it compulsory in every coun- ty, many of which had made no start in that direction, though half the state was already released from quarantine and shipping cattle to any market in the country. Statewide dipping must begin the first of January, next, and in most counties all preparations have been made and dipping inaugurated without await ing the coming of the official date
 VERY SMALL PRO RATA
 Prof. w. r. Bond has completed the work of enumerating the educable school children of the state, finding there are 7SS 927, counting both white and black. The legislature appropriated $1,7S2, 7SS. 60 for the public schools of the state and ordered that it be distributed in >Janu- ary and October-two-thirds in January and one-third in October. It was esti- mated by the legislature that this sum would take care of the increase in the number of children over last year, but 51.000 names were added to the rolls in stead of the 25OO0 counted on when it was thought possible to increase the pro rata 10 cents over last year, but because of the 5l,000 increase the pro rata is increased By 1lh cents. The teach CTS will get their money in a very few days.
 ILLINOIS CENTRAL BULLS
 With view to encouraging the boys of Mississippi to get right into the cat tie raising game the Illinois Central rail- road has sent more than 40 registered Hereford, Angus and Shorthorn bulls into the several counties it touches and will exhibit them in the big parade the first day of the state fair. The bulls are to go as prizes to the boys who make the best showing in their baby beef" club work and this contest will bring hundreds of fat young animals to the fair Only five bulls can go to any one county one to each supervisors district, with the distinct agreement that they are not to be sold in two years and then not to any person outside the coun- ty. In the majority of cases the ani- mals entered in the "baby beef'' con tests of the several counties of the state were purchased with money furnished by the banks on the personal note of the boys applying. They may sell their baby beef at auction during the fair if they so desire.
 RAIDED THE ELKS CLUB
 One day this week the handsome home of the Best People on Earth, in President street, within one block of the city hall. was invaded by trio of cops. and several of the antlered tribe are said to have been caught in the act of drinking over the bar. James Hayes, the. secretary, and his negro porters were arrested, all wet goods in sight were confiscated and several or the "boys" summoned as witnesses. II