davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
RECOGNIZED DANGER .OF HYDROGEN GAS
HutchisOn Attributes Sub- marine Explosion to Fail
 ure of Ventilation System

New York, January 19.-Danger from hydrogen gas on the submarine E-2 was recognized by the commander shortly after the Edison batteries were installed last September and a request for hydro gen detector was not filed by the navy department, Lieut.. Charles M. Cooke, the commander, testified when he resumed the witness stand today before the naval court of inquiry Investigating the recent fatal explosion on the craft. Lieutenant Cooke also said he recommended that each of the 400 cells in the two batteries be equipped so that the condition of each cell might be determined independently of the others, but the bureau of engi- neering of the navy department would not permit this to be done
 Ramon Otto, an electrician of the sec ond class, had previously testified that day of the explosion. During the pro- cess of discharging, it was later ex- plained, the reversed cells would be re- charging and this would cause an exces- sive amount of hydrogen gas to form. Otto gave his testimony while propped up in bed at the naval hospital, suffering from injuries received in the explosion.
 Changes were made in the ventilating system in the battery compartments at his suggestion, Lieutenant Cooke said, and all the fans were running during the
 (Continued on Page TwelvsA
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
DEBATE IS BITTER WHEN MINERS MEET White Resents Resolution Charging Extravaganza
 and Inefficiency

Indianapolis. January 19--A bitter debate in which personalities figured to a large extent was precipitated in the convention of the United Mine Workers today over proposition to have com mittee appointed to investigate alleged extravaganza in the financial affairs of the organization. Charges were made that there was a waste of money, that some of the unions salaried employees padded expense accounts and were in- efficient. Counter charges were made that the instigators of the proposed investigation had only interior motives and were actuated by a desire to bring discredit to the organization and its leaders. The discussion was still in journed until tomorrow.
 The battle of words revolved about President John P. White, who declared that the proposed investigation was a mere excuse of 'insidious foes of union ism" to attack the administration. In the forefront in the fight on the other side were Adolph Germere and Duncan Mcdonald, both of Illinois. White read letters written by Germere to McDon- ald to prove, he said. that they were asking for an investigation for po- liticaI purposes within the organiza tion and Mcdonald retorted that he had .'never resorted to the upderhand meth cd of robbing mans office to get documents"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
FOUR LIVES LOST IN CALIFORNIA FLOOD
 t
Two Million Property Dam- age Weakening Levees
 Threaten Vast Damage

Los Angeles, January 19.-Whether the great levees which hold the Colo rado river back from the Imperial val ley will hold until morning was a question upon which hinged tonight the possible fate of human lives and mil lions of dollars worth of property.
 Heavy rains, moving eastward, left most of southern California recover ing from floods which claimed four lives and caused damage estimated at S2,O0O,- 900. Rains, augmenting streams across the line in Arizona, raised the Colo rado foot by foot and tonight the river was tugging at it's levees, with more water expected Ten overland trains were blocked at Yuma, while to the south men toiled desperately banking up the levees. Clifton and Phoenix re- ported rising water and threatened floods.
 Greeks and rivers in the San Der nardino valley in California still were out of their banks tonight and many small towns reported their light and fuel facilities reduced or cut off.
 San Diego was isolated except for wireless communication. Grounds of the George Junior Republic at Chino, Cal, were reported under water but the so boys there were considered safe. Twenty nine persons were isolated in
 (Continued on Page Twelve)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
ANNUAL REPORT OF
 ADMIRAL FLETCHER
 IS GIVEN ID PUBLIC
Specifies Fifteen Conditions in Navy Which, He Says, Should Be
 Remedied

Washington, January 19.-Stripped of it's military secrets, the annual report of Admiral Fletcher commander-in-c chief of the Atlantic fleet, was made public today by the Senate. It says that on June 30 last the fleet was better balanced and doing better shooting than ever before in mendations as to conditions which should be remedied, ranging rom shortage of men and lack of swift scout cruisers and aircraft to elimination of the compulsory feature of the navy's educa tional sys- tenn.
 With the admirals report was letter of transmittal from Secretary Daniels, stating that many of the conditions re- ferred to already had been remedied and that steps had been taken to carry out other recommendations. The secretary also pointed out that Admiral Fletcher said most of the weaknesses were of long standing, and that he had omitted discus sion of 'the many satisfactory features Of the fleet in the interest of brevity.
 The report was sent to the Senate in compliance with a resolution offered by Senator Lodge, but was held to be confi- dential at the senator's request. Today Chairman Tillman of the naval committee asked that the document be made public, as it had been censored by the navy de- partment of military information deemed too wise to withhold. Senator Lodge agreed, and Senator Tillman then gave out to accompany the report Secretary Daniels letter
 During the past year. says the report, the number of units assigned to the fleet has been increased 15 per cent, resulting in a better balanced fleet as was shown by the maneuvers in August. There are now in the Atlantic fleet 11S vessels of va rious types manned by a force of more than 27.0oO men,
 Referring to the maneuvers of the year about which there has been much dis cussion, the admiral states that "all the operations of these maneuvers were suc- cessfully carried out with the exception of the movements of the submarines and the results reflect credit on the personnel and material of the fleet"
 A suggestion in the report which at consider it important that the depart ment investigate the possibility of pro- viding grapeshot a similar form of ammunition for use of the turret guns in Iepeiling destroyer attacks"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
ID PUSH WORK ON
 ALASKAN RAIL WAY
Two Million Appropriated in Deficiency Bill-Diplo-
 matic Fund Gets $75,OOO

Washington. January ls-Three hundred thousand dollars for the eradi- cation of the citrus canker, $2,0o0,U 900 with which to push work on the Alas kan railroad and S75,O for the confi- dential diplomatic fund used by the President and the Secretary of State are included in the urgent deficiency appropriation bill. favorably reported today to the House.
 The measure, carrying in all more than l2.50o.0DJ will be called up for passage tomorrow. The bill provides for deficiencies in the funds of various branches of the government many of them caused by unlocked for develop ments. The state department asked for $I5 900 to supplement S100000 pre- yiously spent for special work, made troubles in Mexico
 Construction of the Alaska railroad will begin in earnest in the spring The commission in charge already has had S2.6O7.000 placed at its disposal and the ultimate cost of the project is to be s35,0o0.00o. Money provided in the present bill is to start actual build- ska river to Chickaloon, center of the Matanuska coal fields. s71s,500; 45l miles from Kern creek to Ship creek junction. s694,00O; from Matanuska junction northward toward Talkeetna.
 tco.tnued on Page TwoA
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
GERMAN EMPEROR
 MEETS BULGAR TSAR
Kaiser Visits Nish and He and King Ferdinand Exchange Decorations.
 High Officers Present

London, January 19.-A dispatch received by Reuters Telegram com pany says that Emperor William was in Nish. Servia, yesterday. Ac- cording to this information, which was forwarded from Nish by way of Berlin, the German Emperor met King Ferdinand of Bulgaria at Nish.
 "The monarchs greeted each other cordially" the dispatch says, and then reviewed from the cita- del a parade of Bulgarian. Mace donian and German troops.
 "The Emperor presented King Ferdinand with a field marshars baton and the King approached the Emperor, bestowing upon him the title of honorary commander of Bulgarian infantry regiment.
 Among the Emperor's retinue were General von Falkenhayn, chief of the general staff; Field Marshal von Mackenzen, Adjutant Generals von Plessen. von Chelius and von Lincker and Admiral von Mueller. King Ferdinand was ac- companied by Princess Boris and Cyril, Premier Radoslavoff and oth- CTS"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
SPEAKERS TO BE PUT
 ON WILSON'S TRAIL
 BY THE PACIFICISTS
Will Attempt to Nullify Achievements of President on His Swing Around the Circuit-Bryan, Wise, Jor-
 dan and Willard Mentioned

Washington, January 19.-(Spe- cial.) l.)-According to an announce ment of Representative Warren W. Bailey of Pennsylvania, the paci- fists of the country will attempt to nullify the achievements of the President on his intended swing around the circuit"
 MT. Bailey, after stating that he had just heard from William Jen- nings Bryan. declared that speak CTS in addition to the Nebraskan would be put on the trail of the President. and that the ground he covered would be covered by them. Among the names of pursuing pacificists he mentioned were those of Rabbi Wise. David Starr Jor- dan, Oswald G. Willard, Meyer London and Morris Hillquist
 The report contained in The Age Herald correspondence last night that Birmingham would be i'm cluded in the tour of the President was given new emphasis today when the President was reminded that he had promised to visit the Magic City on his first southern visit.
 It is said that the President gave those who called on him in the in terest of Birmingham considerable encouragement.
 In addition to preparedness" it is reported today that on his tour the speaker will discuss the Mex ican situation and the policy of the administration relating thereto.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
WASHINGTON HEARS| THINGS ARE BR|E: WING. WITH SUFFRAGISTS.
Plans for Sanguinary Bat tie at Gadsden Going on Under the
 Surface
By HUGH w. ROBERTS

Washington. January 19.-(SpecialD Mrs. Alfred J. Enc, New York suffragette, has brought suit against two other New York suffragettes for islander; and fur ermore has contested the election of Mrs. John Hoben as leader of the Queensboro woman suffrage party.
 Alabama will, of course, never have to wrestle with such a monstrous proposition as that east out on the blue" by Mrs. Enc. But according to young Ala bama woman-herself allied with the glor- ious army engaged more or less earnest ly in pursuit of the ballot-who recently passed through Washington en route to New York, very interesting things are happening back home"
 UNDER THE SURFACE
 The plans for the battle are of course concealed, for to make them known, or to intimate that within the ranks any thing bordering on friction had existence.
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The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
MRS. GARY SETS THE
 PACE FOR NEWEST
 PRIZES AT BRIDGE
Six Luckiest Guests Each Received Share of United States Steel Pre- ferred Stock-Society Clasps
 at Delightful Novelty

Washington, January 19.-(Spe- al.)-The Post today carries the following New York dispatch:
 "Gilt edged stock for bridge prizes is the newest thrill. Mrs Ebert H. Gary has set the pace. Her six 1uckiest guests have just United States Steel preferred tucked away in her huff. Steel preferred is quoted at $117, and draws ' per cent.
 Mrs. Gary gave a whist party at her home, 356 Fifth avenue. There were six tables and "A guests.
 Nobody knew what the prizes would be, and when the hostess de- lfvered to the winner at each table one large, genuine, sure-e enough share of a stock that stands for the real thing, it was to much for the well modulated feelings of upper cruStdom.
 "Oh-h-h-h," they said--like that.
 Six shares of United States Steel preferred are worth STOP. It wasn't that the prizes were so ex- pensive, the winners say, but it was the delightful novelty of the thing, what? Nobody else had thought of, being so original.
 MT. Gary, it happens, is chair man of the United States Steel corporation, so the stock were a sort of home stock, as it were He confirmed the story, but said he didn't care to comment on it. It was Mrs. Garys party, he ex- plained.
 There's only one trouble; not everybody can give steel stock for prizes and Mrs. Gary doesn't give but one bridge party a season."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
Due to Reluctance of Demo- crats to Tackle Problems in Which They Themselves Have Little Heart
DIVIDED, THERE IS GRAVE DANGER OF
 DEFEAT RETAILING
Wilson May Act if Atmos- phere Does Not Clear. Leaders Say the President Has Played Poor Politics
By HUGH w. ROBERTS

Washington, January 19.-(Specfal.) sers, this Congress has been able to secure its bearing and "get under way" slower than any other Congress. Up to the present time, none of the sev- eral delicate prOblems--deIicate be- cause of their importance and tendency 10 divide parties among themseIves- have been treated by either branch of the national legislature. As matt ter of fact. even the committees have made no progress.
 There is said to be a general admis- slon that the cause for this abnormal delay is the reluctance of democrats to tackle problems in which they, themselves, have little heart,' and in the accomplishment of which 1t will be necessary for them to encounter and overcome strenuous oposition
 Raising money has never been, it is pointed out pleasant task either when the cash must come from the re- sources of the individual or the re- sources of constituents represented by him. And the problems of importance before Congress are all concerned with finances. In the first place, Congress has been called upon to prepare for a possible war of the future. In the second place, Congress has been called upon to devise and make effective plans whereby the cost of this preparing might bevmet
 WILL WILSON ACT?
 The first move, of course, must be made by the democrats. They are hesi- tating because of the so-called natu- ral reluctance to tackle hard propo- sition; and because, divided among themselves, as they are, there is grave dar ger of defeat befalling their forces. The republicans. of course, are doing nothing. They smiIingIy declare with . shrug of the shoulders that must be considered cynical, that they have adopted for their own use the policy "which the President has so wisely employed in dealing with the Mexican massacres. to-wit: 'Watchful waiting'.. As result, both sides are marking time-and have been marking time since the beginning of the session, the
 
 tions of the legislative wheels are as slow as the grinding of the mills of the gods And just when the decks will be cleared for real action cannot with any degree of accuracy be fore told.
 If the atmosphere doesn't clear. the President, it is thought likely, will try his hand. With the members of the preceding Congress he was excep- tionally successful. But have condi- J tions changed? There are democrats who frankly predict the defeat of the Preparedness programme There are others, of course. who believe that the President. in the end. will be returned victor.
 ACTION OF REGULARS"
 A southern democrat who has not made up his mind as to how he shall vote when he is called upon to express
 tContinued on Page Twelve)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
TODAY'S AGE-HERALD

1-Congress slow to get in action Peace negotiations broken off oceans no barrier to invasion, says
 Wood.
 Washington hears things are brewing
 with suffrag gists.
 Fletcher report made public.
 Villa proclaimed an oiltiaw 2-Anglo- Swedish controversy at acute
 stage. 3-Holland letter 4-Editorial comment. 5-Scnedule items still hold boards No action on new Sunday law. S-Women's page. 7-Restless sellers make concessions. S-Sports. s-Two girls badly beaten.  l2-Fifteen thousand majority against
 bond issue
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
FOR
 LOCAL POSTOFFICE
Item of $100,O00 in Urgent Deficiency Bill-Indication That Work Will
 Begin Immediately

Washington, January 19.-(Spe- cial) )-The urgent deficiency bill completed today by the House ap- propriation committee contains an item of $100,00O in favor of the federal building which will be con- structed in Birmingham. This money will be used in initial work on the new building.
 The fact that the item is con tained in the urgent deficiency bill is taken to indicate that the govA ernment would begin work at the earliest possible moment
 The bill will be passed by the House tomorrow.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
Suffrage Census in Selma

Selma, January 19.-(Special.)-M Members of the Selma Equal Suffrage association are making house. house canvass for the purpose of ascertaining the senti- ments of every man and woman in Selma as regards equal suffrage. The inforrna- tion gathered by the committee will be tabulated and placed in the archives of the organization.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
PREPARED FOR WAR
 ONCE IN HISTORY

Only once i'll our history have we been prepared for var he added. That was immediately after the Civil war. when we had million and half trained soldiers. Our diplomatic correspondence with France concerning Mexico was brief. It required only one note because of our and they got out.
 There is not going to be any weak ness abroad after this war is over You will find that more male children have been born than have been killed or in- jured. You will have all the gold, per- haps, but it will not do you much good unless you stiffen it with iron"
 As to the immediate needs of the geu- lar army, General Wood expressed the opinion that the force of regulars with the colors should be maintained at 210,- 900. Of these, he said, 20,0OO equipped and supplied for a years time, should be kept in the Philippines. another 2O,000 in Ha- waii and 15OOO at Panama. He urged that the regulars should have a reserve system. under which in a six-year enlist ment men would be discharged whenever their company commanders reported them as efficient into reserve, to be definitely assigned to war stations. Equipment for members of the reserve would be kept at their stations and once every two years they would be required to join the colors for 10 days training to keep them up to date.
 General Wood said that if universal military service was not to be obtained he favored a continental army scheme
 (COntinued on Page Twelve)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
1 SOLDIERS CANNOT BE IMPROVISED TO
 MEET TRAINED MEN
Under Present Circum- stances Army of 150,000 Men Could Inflict Incal- culable Damage Before Army Could Be Assem- bled to Meet It

Washington, January I9.-Major General Leonard Wood told the Senate military committee today that the coast line of the United states was open to attack by any well organized foreign army despite it's equipment of forts, mines and submarines and that the oceans formed no serious barrier to invasion. He declared that in the preparedness for war, n trained force of 10000 men could infIict incaIcu- liable damage before mn army could he assembled to meet 1t.
 Events of the European war clearly demonstrated, the general said, that the sea was the best medium for the move- ment of troops and he pointed out that a force of 16,O00 men, fully equipped had been landed at Gallipoli from a single expedition of 9S ships against submarines, mines and an underwater screen of barbed wire that fringd every available landing place.
 Emphasizing his conviction that troops cannot be improvised to meet regulars. General Wood declared the fundamentnf basis of any policy of adequate national defense must be the principle that witl suffrage goes an obligation for military service. Such a policy had been advo- cated by George Washington, he said, and if it had been adopted Canada would have become part of the United States in the war of 1872.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
Wireless Is Sealed

New York, January 19.-When the French liner Espagne entered port today an ensign from the neutrality patrol boarded the steamer and sealed the radio instruments in compliance with a recent order from Washington
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-20
Montenegrins Found Terms Unacceptable King and Diplomatic Corps Prepar- ing to Go to Italy
RUSSIANS LAUNCH A NEW OFFENSIVE ON
 CZERNOWITZ FRONT
Constantinople Says Rus sians Have Been Stopped in Caucasus by Reinforced Ottoman Army

London, January 19.-The announce ment of the unconditional surrender of the Montenegrin army, received from German sources, now seems to have been premature as it is stated from Paris that the King an droyal family are en route to Italy and that peace negotia- tons have been broken off with the Aus trians.
 The Paris dispatch reads:
 ''The wireless news of the surrender of the Montenegrin army appears to have been somewhat premature. It is now an- nounced from another source that nego- tiations between Austria and Montenegro have been broken, the conditions of sur reder imposed by Austria having been found quite unacceptable by Montenegro. The King, the royal family and the dip lomatic corps are about to proceed to Italy"
 The Journal Des Debats of Paris learns that the Montenegrins have actually set sail for Rome.
 NEW RUSSIAN OFFENSIVE
 A new offensive along the Bessarabian front has been launched by the Rus sians, according to the Vienna war office statement received here. The statement says the Russians made four successive attacks at several places but were repulsed. There were no other de- velopments along the eastern front. The new battle is raging around Toporoutz and Boyan on the frontier east of Czer- nowitz, '-s '-7 [ Air and mining operations continue in the west but there is little heavy fight ing. Artillery actions continue. A state ment by the British war office tonight says that on Monday 16 aeroplanes at tackled an enemy supply depot at Lesars. northeast of Albert, causing considerable damage. During the day there were 19 encounters in which five of the enemy machines were driven down and two of our aeroplanes were lost" says the state ment.
 There have been mining operations by both sides to the west of Lille and as far south as the Somme river, the German statement says.
 Further news came to hand today of the campaign In the Caucasus where the Russians recently began an offensive over a wide front, and admittedly have been making progress against the Turks. Constantinople now announces that the Ottoman armies resisting the Russian advances have been reinforced and they have checked the Russians along the en- tire front
 HAVE SUFFERED HEAVILY
 Grand Duke Nicholas forces have suf- fered severely in the fighting during the last eight days, according to the Turkish statement which claims now the situa- ton is favorable to the Turks only slight changes in position having been effected by the Russian operations.
 On the other hand, Petrograd off cial statement claims that the campaign in the Caucasus is developing favorably
 (COntfnued on Page TweIve)