davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-17
REMARKABLE GAIN |S
 MADE BY TELEPHONE.
Half a Million New Stations r Is Adder During the
 Past Year

George R. Knox, Jr, local manager of the Southern Bell company, yesterday gave out copies of the annual report of the American Telephone and Telegraph company:8
 That the American Telephone and Tel egraph company and associated com panies were never as a whole in a more satisfactory position financially, physi- cally and particularly in their mutual re- lationship with the public is clearly shown in the annual report of President Theo- dore N. Vail, just issued" said MT. Knox.
 '"The Bell system now connects 9,151,- 221 telephones, a gain of half million stations in the past year. The total wire mileage owned is 1S,50O,000, of which 10,500,- 900 is underground. There are nearly 200, 900 miles of phantom circuits which carry an overload from the wire circuits, and S,652, 100000 telephone connections were made during the year.
 The revival of general business is re- flected by a growth of 225,3O0 subscribers stations in the second half of the year, as against 125,9OO during the same period in 1914 The Bell system has been able to respond quickly to the demands made because of it's policy of providing plant in advance of requirements
 "The net permanent capital obligations of the whole system outstanding in the hands of the public is only $736, 1856, ,756 although the telephone plants stood on the books December 21 at $SS0 ,O6S, 52O and their appraisal value is over 61000, 900 in excess of the book value. There was $32, ,S63, T17 added to plant and real estate last year, and it is estimated that $57, 100000 will be spent in plant additions during the current year.
 ''The gross revenue in 1915 of the Bell System not including the connecting in dependent companies, was $233, GOO; an
 increase of over $13900,000 over last year. Of this, operation consumed $S4,5OO,O ,O00; taxes $131OO,00O or 1.64 per cent on the outstanding capital obligations; current maintenance $31 100000 and provision for depreciation $44,900,000. The surplus avail able for charges, etc. was $66 62OO,000, of which 1S,10000O was paid in interest and $32, ,900,000 was paid in dividends.
 AS an evidence of the cheapness of telephone service it is shown that net earnings are only 5.S4 per cent of the book value and other assets, and that divl- dends and interest are only 4.76 per cent on the plant and other assets, using in both cases the book value which is less than the appraisal value.
 "The low percentage of earnings on the value of the plant, and the average dis tribution to capital represented by securi- ties issued against this plant, should con- vince the most skeptcal that under no possible different conditions could the public get cheaper service. Whether they could get better service must be left to the decision of those who have had the opportunity of comparing the service of the Bell system with that of other sys- tems either of this country or of the world H
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-17

at Cairo. was passenger on the ship frcm Naples to Lisbon He told Captain Dechelles that he would forward 2. full report of the attack to the United States government.
 It was news however, to Captain De- chelles that cable dispatches have since reported that MT. Arnold, who was re- turning home, died at Lisbon the day after his arrival there
 Information received by the state de- partment was that he was on the verge of nervous breakdown at the time of his departure from Cairo.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-17
GRIFFIN ARRESTED
 AT INSTANCE OF
 ARL|E BAR B [ R
Manager of Alcazar Theatre Placed Under Bond for Exhibiting PhOtoplay
 Featuring Castles

Commissioner Arlie Barber opened his fight against alleged indecent motion pictures last night when he ordered the arrest of Manager S. s. Griffin of the Alcazar theatre for showing The Whirl of Life" a six-part photoplay in which the famous MT. and Mrs. Yer non Castle are featured MT. Griffin was placed under $1O0 bond and will have hearing before Recorder Anderton to- day.
 ''The pictures I show at the Alcazar theatre" said MT. Griffin, are clean, wholesome and instructive. The Whirl of Life" is picture portraying the careers of two of the most famous of American dancers, namely MT. and Mrs. Vernon Castle This picture has been shown be- fore President Wilson and has met with his approval It has also been shown in every city in the country, has passed the inquisitive eyes of all the iniquitous political censorships of various cities and states and bears the approval of the National Board of Censorship. Still Commissioner Barber, after taking one look at The Whirl of Life has decided to have me arrested for showing an 1n- decent picture. It is past my humble understanding.
 q have been in the motion picture business for several years and the AL cazar caters only to the highest class of patronage. Church people and all classes have watched apparently with genuine approval The Whirl of Life for the past three days and am shocked and disturbed at this dramatic action of Commissioner Barber, especially as it was entirely without warning"
 It is also contended that Commissioner Barber is attacking the pictures now in order to change his stand on the Sun day pictures. He already has threatened to switch his vote on several occasions. Manager Griffin announced last night that "The Whirl of Life" would be shown again today.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-17
MOVES TO QUASH
 GARY INDICTMENTS

Youngstown, O., March 16.-Counsel for Judge E. H. Gary, chairman of the board of the United States Steel corporation. and for local steel corporations, indicted last week on charges of conspiring to fix wages and the price of steel late to- day filed a motion to have the indict- ments quashed The motion alleges that the indictments are faulty, that they fail to show how prices are controlled, how the defendants, carried out any of the agreements alleged to exist. or whether the transactions complained of took place wholly within Ohio or relate to interstate commerce.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-17
VILLAS PLANS REVEALED

Douglas, Ariz., March 16.-General Cal les, military governor of Sonora, report ed officially to General Obregon, Mexican war minister today that his command had captured prisoner who revealed Villas plans and whereabouts in detail Copies of this report General Gales said were forwarded to General Gavira by him and to the United States army of ficers -at Columbus.
 The man was captured at Dos Cabezos and was in the attack on CoiumDus Gales said, and added:
 He informs me that Villa after the attack went direct to the Corralitos ranch, where he murdered seven COW boys because they refused to give hin horses. From Corralitos he went to Chocolate, where he stopped on the 18th From there he went direct to Galeana."
 This is the first prisoner known to have been captured since Villas raid He is held in Agua Prieta.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-17
CASES AGAINST
 OAKLEY QUASHED

Montgomery, March 16-The cases charging embezzlement against James G. Oakley, former president of the Alabama convict board today, were mol pressed in court, it being stated no proof could be shown that any of the stolen money reached MT. Oakley. The charges grew out of the dedication of Theodore Lacy, former chief clerk of the convict board who is serving sentences aggregating 16 years for embedding $90,OOO of state funds several years ago.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-17
PERSONAL

Joseph B. Pool was called to Columbus, Ga. last night by the death of his fa- ther, Dr. w. T. Pool.
 Mrs. William c. kilgore, who was seri- ously injured when she was struck and Knocked down by an automobile Sunday right showed slight improvement last
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-17
LINER IS ATTACKED

New York. March 16.-The French steamer Patria of the Fabre line. carry ing among her passengers 29 Americans, including an American consul was att tackled without warning by submarine off the Algerian coast on March 1, Capt. Pierre Dechelles announced today on the arrival of the steamship from Medi- serranean ports.
 A torpedo directed at the Patria missed he ship by about 30 feet.
 Onley Arnold, American consul general
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-17
Deaths and Funerals
Charles c. Smith

The remains of Charles c. Smith, aged 34, who died Wednesday afternoon at TAO o'clock in local infirmary, were sent to Clanton yesterday afternoon at S:45 o'clock by the E. T. Shaw & Son Under taking company for interment. The de- ceased is survived by his widow and three children.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-17
Mobile Banishes Cattle

Mobile, March 16.-Moble county. ac- cording to returns compiled here today voted Wednesday hy a strong majority to eradicate the cattle tick by universal dipping. This is the first county on the gulf coast to vote for compulsory eradi- cation of the Texas tick
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-17
P. B. Workman

Sylacauga, March .-(Speoial) 1.-The funeral of P. B. Workman was conduct ed from the family residence today at Bon Air by the Rev. s. o. Y. Ray, assist ed by the Rev. M E. Butts and S. P. West A large crowd was present to show the esteem in which he was held by those who knew him intimately He was member of the Baptist church. He leaves a widow and two children, Clar- ence Workman and Mrs. Chancellor. The pallbearers were s. H. Henderson, l.. G. Jones. J. H. Lane, M. G. Hightower. E. M Box and Dr. M. D. Sherrer. The burial was in the Childersburg cemetery
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-17
J. w. Coley

News has been received in Birming- ham of the death of J. w. Coley of Alexander City in New Mexico. The remains will be brought to Birming- ham for interment MT. Coley is well known in Birmingham, having many relatives and friends here.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-17
Snipers Encountered By Pershing's Columns and Seven of the American
 Soldiers Are Wounded
tCon iinued from Page OneD

the military men of the two countries has been agreed upon. The Americans are in Mexico relying on the assumption that Carranza has accepted in good faith the note of the state department promis- ing reciprocal privilege in chasing down the bandits and the unofficial re- port from Mexico City that orders had been issued for cooperation. Neither Gen. eral Pershing nor General Funston have been given any direct promise of support.
 It was pointed out, however, that CO., operation need not necessarily mean joint action and that possibly the Mexican army men would consider it the fulfill ment of their part of the programme if they continued independently their oper- ations against Villa. General Gales. com mandng the Mexican troops in Sonora,
 is reported to have placed at strategic points in the eastern part of that state some 5000 men to prevent the entry of Villa, and Gen. Luis Gutierrez is SUD- posed to be directing five columns on Chi huahua to prevent the fugitive rebel from making his escape over the trails to the south or east.
 A clash between any of the Carranza troops and the Americans is not antici- pated by American army officers, but the danger that some mutinous detachment might attempt an attack on the American forces has not been ignored. Should such an incident occur, army men here say ii could scarcely be due to mistaken iden- tity, since the uniform, equipment and general appearance of the Americans is sufficiently unusual in Mexico as to make inn SS;l,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-17
Renish Is Selma Mayor

Selma, March Special )--Louis Ben ish was today elected mayor over Wat kins M. Vaughan by vote of 51S to 463. C. K. Taylor was elected to the coun- cil from the Fifth ward in place of $. $. Smith, the incumbent. The election was quiet, but large vote was boiled.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-17
AMERICAN CITIES
 OFFICIALS COMING

New Orleans, March 16.-All of cers and directors of the American Cities company were reelected at the annual meeting of the corpora tion here today. The officers an- nounced they will leave here to- night to inspect plants of subsidiary companies in Houston, Little Rock. Memphis, Birmingham and Knox ville
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-17
DUTCH LINER SUNK;
 NO AMERICANS HURT; l UNKNOWN w HE T H B R MINE OR TORP E ID o
tContinuea from Page one,

ties and senators aiming to limit the control of the war minister and Gen. eral Joffre over military affairs
 General Gallieni failed to attend the meeting of the army committee Of the Chamber of Deputies March 9 and the meeting of the council of national de- fense March 10 and an official note explained that the war minister had been prevented from receiving mem bers of Parliament on Friday last, which was his regular receiving day Later it was announced officially that Rear Ad- miral Lecaze, minister of, marine, would take charge of the ministry of war dur ing the illness of General Gallieni.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-17
M.. M. Fulghum

Fulghunl, S3 years old, a pioneer Of St. Clair county, died at his home at Ash vile yesterday. He is survived by his wife, one son, J. M. Fulghum of Attala' and one daughter, Mrs. Hood of Ash vile.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-17
Mrs. Anna Gordon

Mrs. Anna Gordon, aged 69. died last night at the family residence, 2209 Ave nue F, at 9:45 o'clock. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon from the resi- dence at o'clock. The deceased is sur vivcd by her husband, J. T. Gordon and two daughters, Mrs. Jennie Peteet and Mrs. Inez Wilson, both of Birmingham
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-17
I. H. Sitz

Gadsien, March 16.-(Special.) )-John Hampton Sitz, 75 years old, father of Tax Assessor Walter Sitz and Herbert Sitz. a local merchant. died at the lat ter's home on Eleventh street yesterday evening. The burial was at Bethany church this afternoon. MT Sirz was prominently known throughout the coun- ty, and for sixteen years was county commissioner. He was Confederate veteran.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-17
DETAILS TO PERSHING

To a great extent the details of the ex- petition have been left to General Per- shing and his commanding officer here IS not bothering him or expecting from him reports other than those regarded by General Pershing as essential.
 Secrecy still is maintained as to the exact disposition of the punitive force, it's composition and future movements. In general, it is admitted that juncture of columns now heading south will be made before the end of the week, per- haps Saturday, when they will be some 50 miles south of the international boundary line.
 General Pershing will maintain nls communication by means of wireless planes being at his disposition for the latter. General Funston arranged today for a direct telegraph wire from El Paso to Fort Sam Houston in order that there might be as little delay as pos sible in receiving General Pershing' $ reports The problem of preventing amateurs interfering with the trans mission of wireless reports was dis cussed With agents of the police.
 While no censorship has been estab- lished here other precautions have beer taken to prevent unauthorized publica- tion of military news.
 General Funston and his staff were busy today carrying out the details ol the plan for strengthening the border pNtiols and of having ready men ant supplies should they be required in Mex icc More troops arrived at Columbu: and other points near the New Mexico border. Where they win be held II readiness to rush forward should theil services be needed.
 l Rumors of an unfriendly attitude as sumed by Mexicans generally toward 1 Americans in Mexico continued to bt received at General Funston's head ] quarters. but they were not taken witt great seriousness.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-17
1.-THE SPIDER. :

At the Strand theatre today Man ager Abernathy offers "The Spider, with Miss Pauline Frederick, five part Famous Paramount fea- ture. This feature was directed by Robert G. Vignola until quite recent ly the feature director of the kalem company and character actor of more than ordinary ability. 'The Spider" is certain to meet with popular ap- proval at the Strand.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-17
MOVIE ErIO1IETTE.

Always sit in an end seat and place your hat and cloak in the next one. If your third cousin has ever written a scenario, divulge that news in loud clear tones so that the persons near you may also have a little pleasure. In reading subtitles aloud to the children always speak pleasantly and distinctly.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-17
NIRTIIE TRuIMPHAN NIT

Jack Pickford and Fritzi Brunette are co-stars in this dramatic fea- ture at the .Odeon Two today. It concerns the adventures of a young and pretty girl who is desidous of becoming an actress and youth also ambitious to become a playright. The girl goes on the stage, but it fired because she will not let the manager become familiar. She then meets the ambitious youth and they both cooked
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-17
Miss Kate Lasseter

Marbury, March 6.-(Special. )-A1iss Kate Lasseter, for nine years matron of the Alabama Old Soldiers home, near Mountain Creek, died of pneumonia at St. Margarets inf1rmary, Montgomery and interment was made in the Marbury cemetery at D. m. on March 16
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-17
GERMANS DRIVEN BACK

Repulse at the hands of the French again has been the net result Of a Ger man infantry attack launched with huge effectives after heavy bombardment against French position at Le Mort Homme, northwest of Verdun. The Ger mans who attacked in serried masses, were driven eastward toward the Bois des Corbeaux. where the French guns inflicted heavy casualties on them.
 The attack at Le Mort Homme consti- tuted the only infantry maneuver along the entire front, but from Belgium to the Vosges the artillery on both sides has been active at numerous points. Around Douaumont and the village of Vaux the big guns are operating With redoubled violence, while southWard Tn the Woevre the artillery duels in the Mouse hills continue
 In the Argonne forest the French guns are still shelling the German positions northwest of the road from Varennes and German batteries near Montfaucon.
 The latest German official communica- ton making reference to French at- tempts to dispute our possession of the height of the Ie Mort Homme" has brought forth a statement from the French embassy at Washington that the Germans never have gained a footing on the hill, which the French still hold
 ITALIANS ON OFFENSIVE
 Only engagements poCWeeH pdtfOiS nave taken place on the Russian front The Italians continue strongly on the offen- sive against the Austrians on the Isonso front, especially on the Podgora heights sector and southwest of San Marine. On Podgora the Italians entered the Austrian lines. but according to Vienna. were re- pulsed in vicious hand-to-hand fighting
 Both Austrians and Italians claim suc- eesses around San Martino. The Aus trians assert that an Italian attack in this sector failed and that the Italians left numerous dead on the field. The Italian official statement declares that after severe artillery and musketry prep aration the Austrians launched two strong attacks and succeeded in reaching the edge of the trenches taken from them recently, but were on each occasion re- pulsed, leaving the ground covered with dead"
 The Dutch passenger steamer Tubantia, bound from Holland for South America, has been sunk by an explosion near the Noord Hinder lightship. All the passen- gers, among whom it is reported were several Americans, and members of the crew were saved Whether the ship was torpedoed or struck a mine has not de- veloped.
 General Gallieni the French minister of war, has resigned because of poor health. General Roque will succeed him.
 A Berlin semi official dispatch gives an Athens report that British warships have bombarded VHrla, near Smyrna, almost entirely destroying the town and killing large number of Creeks who consti- tuted a majority of the population.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-17
'TTIE PRETTY SIsTER OF JOSE.''

TIE FRE T I SIS IlIt UT JOH511'
 Mrs. Frances Hodgeson Burnett novel ''rhe Pretty Sister of Jose, will be shown in motion pictures at the Colonial theatre today. Miss Margue- rite Clark and Jack Picl1ford are the stars in this Famous Players-Para- mount production, which is one or the most artistic productions shown in several moons.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-17
WHAT WILL OBREGON DO?

One subject of much speculation on both sides of the border is the exact meaning of the appointment of Gen. Ob- regon as minister of war. Opinion among Americans familiar with Mexico and it's politics are sharply divided. Some in- sist that Obregon's appointment means that the two Mexican leaders have recon ciled their differences and that Obregon intends to give his full support to the first chief. Others, including most of those who have a personal acquaintance with Obregon, are equally confident that his appointment indicates that he is gaining the upper hand in governmental affairs and that a turn distinctly unfa- vorable to the United States may be looked for shortly in the policy of the de facto government.
 In the meantime Fl Paso and all the rest of the northern and western border continues to hear the wild and fantastic rumors which can never be too fantastic not to gain some believers. How most of them start is mystery, but they are generally credited to Villa sympatnizers who wish to provoke trouble for the Car ranza government and stir up hostility toward it among Americans.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-17

main profound mystery today. An dreas Garcia, the Carranza consul here, asserted that from information in his possession he was satisfied that Villa had disbanded most of his men and intended to take refuge in the heart of the Sierra Madres with only three or four trusted cCmpaniOnS
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-17

"A Of the advance sale of "The IA e'er-Do-Wen." a lO-part Selig dramatic photoplay feature at the Strand all next week, stated last night that the tickets were going with an appreciable rush.
 The public is evidently well versed on the merits of The Ne'er-Do-Well," said Mir Parks last night, flor they are coming to the Strand box office in goodly numbers and purchasing their seats for next week. The ad vance sale for Mondays matinee and evening performance of The Ne'er- Do-WelP already surpass our fondest expectations and there has been good demand for tickets for every other matinee and night performance for the remainder of the week.
 T had the pleasure of handling the ticket sale of The Birth of a Nation at the Jefferson theatre, but the advance sale of that feature can not be compared with that of The Ne'er-Do-W which shows that the public has read and enjoyed the novel of MT. Rex Beach and is anx- ious to view the limitation of the book"
 Manager Thomas s. Abernethy of the Strand also stated that he was pleased with the interest the public was taking in the approaching en- gagement of "The Ne er-Do- Well'' and said that if his patrons stood behind him, he would provide only the most stupendous of film offerings in the future at the Strand theatre.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-17
MUST PAY FOR HEAD

Thousands of men are not wanted to pursue Villa" said Consul Garcia. He has no intention of fighting any one but will take refuge in the mountains which he knows so well. He will be captured believe, when a price is put on his head''
 A denial that there were any Carranza troops with the American expedition was made today by Gen. Gavira, Carranza commander at Juarez Gen. Gavira made tEis statement after being informed that information of the presence of Mexican soldiers with Gen. Pershing came from American headquarters at San Antonio. He declared that the troops of Gen. Gales who were reported to be with the Ameri- cans were scattered between Chihuahua, Madeira, Pearson and Guzman and that Gen. Bertani, with an escort. was at Juarez. All efforts t9 find Gen. Bertani at Juarez failed.
 Fresh troops have arrived at Juarez. but the Mexican authorities would give no information as to the number of men now in garrison there. Long trains load ed with flour and other provisions crossed the Rio Grande from the Ameri- can side today, but their destination was kept secret