davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-01
HUGE QUANTITY OF
 LIQUOR IS POURED
 INTO JAIL SEWERS
Sheriff's Forces Hurry to Get Rid of Condemned Stuff Before the New
 Year Arrives

Another large batch of liquor aggre- Sating several thousand gallons. was de- stroYed yesterday afternoon under court decree by Sheriff Thomas J. Batson.
 The liquor, consisting wholly of whisky and beer, was poured into the county sewer in the jail yard, seven negroes being employed in opening the bottles and destroying the contents. The liquor was condemned sometime ago by Judge c. B. Smith of the circuit court and in order to get rid of it before the expira- ton of the year the sheriff got busy yesterday afternoon and fed it to the sewer. It is said to have been the largest amount destroyed at one time since pro- hb;tion.
 The liquor had been seized by the sheriffs forces since the prohibition law went into effect on July 1. Some of it was unidentified as it had been seized in transit and some captured in raids, but at the hearing on the condemnation proceedings no claimant appeared and the goods were ordered destroyed. The sheriff's sideboard is much depleted as there is still large quantity on hand awaiting the decree of the court on con demnation suits that are pending.
 It took fully one hour and a half to destroy the liquor. the fumes of which floated far out over the jail yard.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-01
FAREWELL SMOKER
 IN FLORENCE HOTEL
HI. M. Burt Host Last Night to Party of Friends From
 Over the State

Hardy M. Burt, proprietor of the Flor ence hotel, was the host to a number of prominent citizens from over the state last night. A smoker. was arranged foI the guests, and the occasion proved to be an enjoyable. one. Many of those who have always made the Florence their headquarters in Birmingham toasted the New Year and lamented the tearing down of the old hostelry, which has beer the means of many enjoyable occasions by different citizens in Birmingham and Alabama.
 MT. Burt announced that he would con- tinue to occupy part of the hotel and run it until he had made arrangements for another hostelry in this city. The part which will be retained by the Flor ence hotel is the top floors of the build ing of R. D. Burnett. which is on Sec ond avenue between Eighteenth and Nine. teenth streets and occupies 75 feet o1 space and three stories
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-01
SOUTH AND PREPAREDNESS Sevier Points Out Strong Position Oc. cupied by Birmingham District

l. sevier, general agent Southern Railway company at Birmingham. is quoted in the current issue of the Man ufacturers Record as follows:
 T consider your article, National Preparedness an Unrealizable Dream Under Existing Iron and Steel Condi- tions' an exceptional, statement of facts which must be convincing to all open minded men of thought, as to the ne- eessity of an armor plate plant in tho south. where everything entering into the manufacture can be had, and. at the same time be protected. There is one thought, however, that occurs to me in connection with this, which does not seem to be covered, and that is, that the railroad facilities to transport the plate and other materials enter ing into the construction of vessels are here; also the possibilities as transportation medium of the Warrior river are to be considered.
 q wish for you every success in your undertaking to secure for Ala bama that recognition which she is en- titled to in the location of such a plant
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-01
ON MAIN ROUTE
Civic League Making Effort to Get on Main East and
 West Highway

An enthusiastic meeting of the West End Civic league was held last at the Odd Fellows hall, West End, at which steps were taken toward routing the proposed east and west highway through West End thence to the Warrior road
 Commissioner Weatherly will go before the Warrior highway committee of the Chamber of Commerce, which meets Mon day, and propose the taking up of an east and west highway in connection with the gateway to the Warrior. The city has the matter under consideration, and it was for the purpose of having this highway routed through West End that the meeting was held last night.
 Dr. Gewin presided and stated the purpose of the meeting and after a number of enthusiastic talks resolution was passed that committee of 50 be selected to go before the city commis- sioners and present the claims of West End for recognition when the highway is located, and also to take the matter up with the Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Gewin will name the committee today, and it will appear before the commits sioners in the early part of next week.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-01
John B. Weakley Explains Provisions of Law Which
 Becomes Effective Today
THINKS IT WILL BE
 UPHELD BY COURTS
President Burger of Business Mems League Also Points Out That Only Parent Concerns
 Are Affected

In reference to the application oi the new trading stamp law, which provides for the taxation of companies issuing or selling trading stamps. cou- pons, certificates, etc, and which goes into effect today. there appears to be diversity of opinion The Age Her. aid therefore asked John E. Wea1zIey who framed these two sections of the revenue bill, how they applied MT Weakley says:
 This section of the revenue code is designed to place a license upon the trading stamp people, not upon the merchant who issues the stamps to his customers. These trading stamp con cerhs come into Alabama and sell trading stamps to merchants. main taining store where they redeem the stamps, and they should be required to pay license for so doing.
 Under the law they must make bond guaranteeing that they will make statement to the state treasurer at amount Of their business for that year and pay tax of per cent thereon lh addition to the 5000 tax to the state and the $500 to the county.
 My opinion is that the courts will uphold the law. Nearly all the deci slohs ot the courts in similar cases in cther states have declared the laws Tn question to be unconstitutional The trouble with the other laws is they sought to force the trading stamp peo- pie out of business by excessive tax atlon The consequence was the courts declared the tax excessive and the companies did not pay anything The Alabama tax. however, is not exces- slve, and I noticed in The Age Herald this morning that the Sperry & Hutch lnson company would pay 1t. I am sure that if the matter is brought into court by any other trading stamp con cern it will be upheld as reasonable and just.
 Jacob Burger, president of the Busi ness Mems league. said yesterday that he thought the law good one. and | believed 1t would be sustained by the courts if it should come before them The trading stamp and coupon busi- ness generally is a bad proposition not only for the business man but the consumer as we'll" said MT. Burger This law, however, comedies them the right to do business. but says they must pay for the privilege, which is only just and right, as every other business in the state pays it's share ot the taxes.
 ''The merchants of Birmingham are not at all affected, as the tax applies only to companies issuing or selling trading stamps or coupons, etc, tC merchants"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-01
$144, ,60O IS TOTAL
 CAPITAL FOR MONTH
Fourteen Declarations Filed at Pro. bate Office-Increase Shown
 Over Previous Year

Fourteen corporations filed declara tions of incorporation with the probate court last month, the total of the capital stock being s144,600 The record for last year in interpretations shows an increase in number and amount of new capital as compared to that of 1914 but a slight fall ing off from the figures of 1915
 The following interpretations were filed last month: Cane Creek Tipple company with capital stock of $25,000; Cahaba Min erals company, $5000; Southern Pickle and Vinegar company, $10000 Allentown Land company, $2OO0 Mail Transfer company, 5000; Portable Dispenser company $2OO0; Boss Laundry company. $5000; Standard Products company, 5000; Sharp & Co.,, $S6,000; Interstate Realty and Mortgage company, $30,00O J. F. Baldwin Builders Supply company, $l0,000; Madison Land company, $5000; Linnehan- Ma sberg Col lecting company, $25O0; Eufaula Land and Orchard company $7500.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-01
MT MRE:RSH|P NOW BEYOND 1000 MARK Motor and Country Club Has Added Nearly 100
 Members During Week

Nearly 100 additional new members joined the Birmingham Motor and Coun- try club this week, making the total for the campaign recently ended over FOO, and raising the total club membership to over 1000.
 While the contest for the boats and other lrizes ended the Saturday before Chiislmas it was decided to wait unul Monday, the 27th inst, before putting the entrance fee back to $50.
 This has enabled a number of others to join the club, who, for number of reasons did not get the opportunity dur ing the contest. A number of ladies sent in their applications with d check for $10 which pays their entrance fee and dues for the year 1916.
 The eight-passenger motorboat ehe first prize, won by F. B. Cheapes team, has ai rived and is now on the lake at the club and is beautiful pica sure craft
 The second prize, d spienGi1 cowboat von ay ,. A. Yates team. is giving great pleasure to the owners The other boats VII! arrIve very soon, and the club is arranging several races between canoes, lc wfC t. and motorboars. and will award prizes tC the winners i;i each class of bf ats
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-01
Suits Filed

F. c. Smith filed suit in the cir cult court yesterday against the Bolt Investment company. Plaintiff claims of the defendant $500O damages, alleg- ing that on August 5 the defendant maliciously and without probable cause therefor and for the purpose of vexing and harassing the plaintiff filed suit against the plaintiff in a justice court and falsely and fraudu- l.Dtly caused a judgment to be rem dered against the plaintiff in said suit and caused writ of garnishment to be served on the plaintiffs employer thereby causing plaintiffs wages to be attached.
 NJ. Vi. Ullman filed suit in the cir cult court yesterday against B. Bear man for 5000. alleging breach. of contract
 T. p. Street filed suit in the circuit court yesterday for $50OO against An. gelo Benetos. alleging a breach of com tract.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-01
UPSHAW TO SPEAK
 TWICE TOMORROW

Will D. Upshaw, "The Georgia Cy- clone" will speak in Birmingham at the Young Mems Christian association to- morrow afternoon at 3:3O o'clock, and at the First Presbyterian church tomorrow night. Monday night he will lecture at the First Christian church at Ensley.
 MT. Upshaw is editor of The Golden Age" and resides in Atlanta He is well known in Brmingham having spoken here number of times. Last winter he spoke for the local Y. M C. A. in the Princess theatre in Birmingham and the Grand theatre in Ensley, and both houses were crowded to overfiowing He is a very popular speaker and the association officers are to be congratulated on se- curing him. The subject of his address sunday afternoon will be, .The Golden VOlume--1916''
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-01
MINING COMPANIES IN
 MEXICO TO RESUME

El Paso, Tex, December 31.-Few for eign mining companies in Durango and Chihuahua states will resume operations for the present at least, it was said here today in mining circles
 Eight companies. it was said, have sum- moned employees here to return, but 22 others will employ only enough men nec- essary to make needed repairs at their properties.
 The reluctance of the companies to re- sume work is explained here as due to the rigor of General Carranza's mining tax decree of March l. increasing prop erty and production assessments. The International Mining association and the Mines and Shelter association of Chihua- hua have been negotiating with General Carranza for several months in an effort to secure a reduction of the assessments without avail.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-01
BOARD OF TRADE PROTESTS
 AGAINST NEW SCHEDULE

the new schedule privilege tax increases rlnsed from 50 10 200 per celr were made over the amounts paid 'asS year, whio n increases, it was declared, were eNces-| sive and unreasonable. l: was pointed, out that fer tEc past yea or more bus1 ness had been very dull and that w.ti} a few exceptions none of the merchant of the ci-y made any money. Undd these conditions it was said that thd proposition 'e further tax then. w.s nod fair.
 It was finally decided that the Board of Trade would call on all the civic bodies land cohinlS ia organizations and others interested in tLv license scGe-,uie to meet With the board on next Tuesday aftel- noon at o'eitck at Nhicn tlnaA q deles. gaton Will be selected to go pre thu city commissioners and enter Arotes against the enforcement of the \eseI schedule and to ask that it be placV M more equitable basis.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-01
CLAIM IS MADE THAT SOME PRIVILEGE TAXES ARE IN CREASED FROM 50 PER CENT TO 200 PER CENT

v.s oroas protest against some Of the provisions of the license schedule for 19lt lsc=nlly adopted by the cit, eommission- eis, and which goes .ntS effect th!s morn ns, were made yestef-iay afternoon at a called meeting of the Board of Trade held .n the directors room of the Cham t.r nl Commerce.
 President Joseph Rosen5erg,r was n the chair, and quite a numb b,r of leading nlc.chsrts were present.
 Iul'i.g the discussion the statement was made that under ths provisions oi
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-01
SENATOR WHITE TO
 ADDRESS NEGROES
Exercises Celebrating Fifty-Second Anniversary of Freedom Will Be
 Held at Sixteenth Street Church

Former Senator Frank s. White will be the principal speaker this morning at Il o clock at the fifty-second anniversary of the freedom of the negro slaves. The celebration will be held at the Sixteenth Street Baptist church and number of prominent negroes will also speak. An ella aborate, but to the point programme has been arranged by the Patriotic Sons of America, under whose auspices the exercises are being given. The Acipco brass band will parade the downtown sections and furnish music for the occa- sion as will also the choirs Of the lead ing negro churches.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-01
Marriage Licenses

The following marriage licenses were issued at the clerks office of the pro- bate court yesterday:
 S. N. Bubin Macon, Ga, and Miss Marion Fimsilver.
 F. D. Montgomery and Miss Berna- dette Porter.
 Major Hardin, New Merkel, and Miss Ida Sims.
 William Neil and Miss Francis Shel- by.
 Abraham Goldstein and Miss Hilda Schnartz.
 A, A. Bobo, Oxford, and Miss Dell Herzog.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-01
Change of Schedules

Effective 12:Ol a m. Sunday, January 2. the Seaboard Air line Railway company will make the following changes in schedules
 No. p. for Atlanta and local points, will leave at 6:30 a. m. instead of 5;30 a. m
 No. G. Atlanta Birmingham Special. for Atlanta and New York, will leave at $50 .. m.. instead of s;3o .. m.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-01


 the public generally ana now that i finances have been readjusted on fais conservative basis with relation to IL earnings it will oe better able than ever before to handle it's business with greater efficiency.
 '"The general officers of the new com pany will be E. T. Lamb, president and general manager; Brooks Morgan, vice president; Floyd A. Mays, secretary, treasurer and purchasing agent; T. -SJ Basgett, assistant secretary w. FL Paschall, assistant treasurer; B. L. Buggi assistant general manager; J. l.. Ed wards, traffic manager: C. B. Kealhofer. general freight agent; W. W. CroXton, general passenger agent: E. H. Fell, as sistant general passenger agent; R. Kemp Slaughter, auditor H. w Colson. gem eral claim agent; E. B. Rock, superin- tendent transportation: L.. l.. Beall, chief engineer; G. E. McWhite assistant pur- chasing agent; Dr. w. s. EllSn, chief surgeon: pr. w. S. Goldsmith, assistant chief surgeon; Brandon x Hynds, gen- eral counsel: Tillman. Bradley x Mor-s row. Birmingham. will remain as divisioni counsel of the new company in Ala- bama'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-01
Real Estate Transfers

The following real estate transfers were recorded in the probate court Ne sterday:
 $1500--Fred II. Vernon and F. A. Vernon to J. II. Puckett, lot IS in block S.
 $10OO--Mrs. Annie F. Porter to Mar-I tha A. Patterson, lot 2S and part Of| lot 27, in block 93, East Lake.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-01
TREASURER ROGERS TALKS

Cleon B. Rogers, county treasurer, is one of the boosters for the highway and stated yesterday that in his opinion the county and city could build road that would answer the purpose of compet- ing with the railroads for better freight rates.
 q think the city should take in that stretch of and running from the Warrior river to Birmingham as part or Greater Birmingham he said. If this were done we could tell the world that Birming- ham was on water route and receive better rates on all freight into this city
 Los Angeles is one of the cities that devised this scheme in order that 1t may be classed as a seaport town. San Pedro the port of Los Angeles. is 40 miles from the city, but it is part of Los Angeles and considered the seaport of the city If it had not been for the wisdom Of those in charge of the city government in ln- cooperating San Pedro in the city nmits of Los Angeles. the city could never have beer recognized the world over as sea port town.
 If we of Jefferson county and Bir- mingham build a substantial, highway from Birmingham to the Warrior river and incorporate that strip of land run ming from Birmingham to the Warrior we will be a bonafide town with water trans portation. I believe all are in favor oI the building of this highway, and in my opinion it can be done Of course, IL cannot be done in day or month. Jess Willard was once small boy. To day he is the champion pugilist of the United States. and so it goes with blg pi ojects. We must not think this is thing that may be completed Tn a short time. It vii, take tune, energy, brains and money to put the plan through. but we can do it, and should do it. l hope the plans will materialize to point where we can figure sensibly on the thing in the course of the next few weeks
 FAVORS THE HIGHWAY
 Judge Alvin Douglas is in favor or the proposed Warrior highway T hope we can put this project through as soon as practical Some of the most mag nificent scenery in the world is in the west. but Jefferson county also has her share of natural, rugged beauty. The highway would be great developer of lands in the section of the county through which it runs. This would tend to enrich the farmer in this section and at the same time be the direct means of getting lower freight rate for the Birmingham district Anything that low CTS the cost of production in this dis trict is bound to help the entire conn munity.
 There are no knockers of the project as far as I can learn, and firmly be- lieve we have started something that is going to go through to the advantage of all in this community"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-01
TODAY'S EVENTS

Former Senator Frank S. White will address negroes at emancipation cele- bration at. II o'clock today
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-01
At the Theatres

Jefferson-"tThe Birth of a Nation. Matinee at 2:3O D. m. Evening at S:1J D. m.
 Lyric-Vaudeville. Matinee at 2:a0 o'clock. Evening at 7:30 and p. m
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-01
At the PhotopIay Houses

Strand-"The old Homestead" Colonial-"The Hunt" with Ford Stirling.
 Trianon-"The Price," with Helen Ware.
 Odeou Two-"The Millionaire Baby, with Harry Mestayer
 Princess-"The Woman With a Rose" with Lillian Drew.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-01
B. F. MOORE'S VIEWS

Ben F. Moore: "There should be no un- necessary delay on the part of the county board of revenue in building road from Birmingham to the Warrior Of course, we should have a high-ciass road. As to what material should be used in con- struction, will be matter for discussion after the engineer makes his report and furnishes estimates of costs etc. Every tcdv ;r for tho road
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-01
Construction Is Practically Assured as Soon as En- gineer Submits His Data to Board
MEMBERS ARE ALL IN FAVOR OF ROAD
 OF DURABLE NATURE
More Comments by Citizens. Give Their Reasons for Favoring Highway to Open River

That the open Warrior river is of no use to Birmingham until q highway is built connecting it with .he city ls the opinion of many leading citizens and who declare the gateway to the river should be opened as soon as possible
 The statement was made that the 1nn- lions of dollars spent by the United States government in opening up the Warrior river to commerce brought but little benefit to the city unless there was a practical means of getting the commerce of Birmingham to the liver.
 That the road will be built is assured as the members of the board of revenue have all declared themselves in favor of the project. The only question now remaining is the matter of selecting d route and the nature of the material with which the road will be constructed. In the next few days County Highway En- Slneer George H. Clark will submit his report of the surveys made by him of the several routes that have been sug- gested, beginning at the city limits ard extending to the river front, and as soon as received and accepted the preliminary ho irrI XtyaIy ytri11
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-01
FINE TOBACCO BUSINESS
REAL ESTATE PROSPECTs

Gus A. Pope, Jr., president Birming- ham Real Estate exchange:
 '"The Present year has not been a very successful one to the majority of the real estate brokers throughout the country. However, there have been several large deals made in our terri tory which convinces us that there is still money waiting investment. For
 GContinued on Page SevenJ
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-01
FRANK RfsHTON's VIEWS
MESsER FAVORS CHERT

M. P. Messer, president of the Messer Real Estate and Insurance company, IS much opposed to spending large sum of money on the construction of a paved highway, but favors the building of a chert road. MT. Messer said: "As I un- derstand it there is a well constructed road from the city to within about nine miles of the river along one of tho pro- posed routes. 1 am heartily in favor of extending this road to the river. which I am informed will cost about $6oOO per mile.
 "This, in my opinion, should be done at this time, and if i'll the future paved highway is necessary the foundation is already made and the chert road could be paved. I do not think it wise at this time to spend nearly half a million dol lars on brick, or other hard material highway, much as we may desire paved roads. It occurs to me the better plan is to build the chert road first and meet the other condition when necessity re- .4