davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-12
MAXIMUM PRICE OF DECEMBER AND MAY CORN FIXED BY BOARD
Directors of Chicago Future Grain Market Issues Notice Without
 Explanation as to Reason

Chicago, July 11-Directors of the Chi cago Board of Trade this afternoon fixed a maximum price of SIPS for the Decem- Der and May Q91S) deliveries of corn. No action was taken as to September corn.
 A meeting that lasted three hours be- hind closed doors preceded the action of the directors. After adjournment formal notice was given out telling of the course adopted but no explanation was offered. According to an official of the board the establishment of the new maximum price for the December deliv- cry and for all later options was needed to bring trading conditions into harmony with the government war policy of pre- venting undue speculation and unwar- ranted high cost to consumers
 In taking such a measure the directors were said to feel that more drastic steps were averted, including the possible closing of the board of trade.
 Only the options of the new 1917 crop were dealt with in today's action of the Chicago board of trade directors A maximum price of S1, ,65 for the Septem- Der delivery here and for all other old crop futures was already in effect, and was not disturbed, as the value of old corn for immediate delivery was now much in excess of that limit and had to- day touched the highest figures ever known for Chicago, $1.91% bushel for ordinary No. ? white.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-12
Height and Weight Limit
 for Soldiers Is Reduced

Washington, July 11.-small men make as good soldiers as big men in the re- vised opinion of the war department, which has instructed recruiting stations to open the ranks of the regular army to men no more than five feet one inch in height and who weigh only no pounds.
 The order was issued on the basis of recommendation made by Surgeon Gen eral Gorgas, who advised that good men were being kept out by the minimum height and weight limit to five feet four inches and 120 pounds. As matter of fact, however, recruiting officers had been instructed not to enforce rigidly the height and weight limits and there are considerable number now in the army who are below the five feet four require ment.
 The new orders will have wide effect In National Guard recruiting and proba- bly, in selections for the national army. Rt/ular army standards govern both of these services In general way.
 The regular army still was short some 10000 men when recruiting closed yester- day, only 1226 men having been accepted during the day.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-12
CROSS, FEvER|SH
 CHILD IS BILIOUS
 OR CONST|PATED
Look, Mother! If tongue is coated give California
 Syrup of Figs

Every mother realizes, after giving her children 'California Syrup of Figs that this is their ideal laxative, be- cause they love it's pleasant taste and it thoroughly cleanses the tender lit- tie stomach. liver and bowels without gripping.
 When cross. irritable. feverish or breath is bad, stomach sour, look at the tongue. mother. If coated. give teaspoonful of this harmless fruit laxative" and in a few hours all the foul, constipated waste. sour bile and ,undigested food passes out of the bow els, and you have well, playful child again. When it's little system Is full Of cold. throat sore, has stomach ache, diarrhoea indigestion, colic-rem ember. a good inside cleansing" should always be the first treatment given.
 Millions of mothers keep "Califor- nia Syrup of Figs" handy; they know a teaspoonful today saves sick child tomorrow. Ask your druggist for 50- cent bottle of "California Syrup of Figs" which has directions for babies, children of all ages and grown ups printed on the bottle Beware of coun- terfeits sold here. so don't be fooled Get the genuine, made by "CallIornia Fig Syr.p Company,"--Adv
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-12
s.,nmer Excursions to California

Summer excursion travel to the Grand canyon and the California Sierras and seashore. as wei as to the Colorado Rockies and New Mexico, IS starting out well. When hot weather is fairly upon us I look for a heavy exodus to far western resorts. Those who are planning summer trips in that direction need have no fear as to adequate train service out, !" said w. J. Black, passenger traffic man ager of the Santa Fe. in recent inter- view.
 Travel to California during the winter season of 1916-17 was a record breaker. In ouiries indicate that 1917-18 will be equal ly as heavy notwithstanding the war. The California hotel men are expend- ing their facilities to care for all com- CTS. They are optimistic and are not afraid to spend money ahead of the ex- pected rush next winter
 ..rThe Santa Fe Is also optimistic and expects to run all of its transcontinental trains, including the California Limited and Deluxe as heretofore. Orders have already been placed with the Pullman company for additional drawing room sleeping cars. The California Limited will continue to carry dining cars, library cars and observation Pullman cars. and similar equipment will be provided for extra lmiteds as needed. If an emerg- ency arises later will provide for it, as 1t would be only temporary. It Is part of our business to anticipate emergencies and prepare for them. The American public can move about the country as usual with freedom"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-12

and matters brought to the attention of the latter only when it was desired to ne- gotiate a way out of the difficulty
 American officials agree with allied diplomats here that many of the German officials are largely puppets used as a blind to the German people. Their rise or fall, they say, has little significance on Germany's military and foreign poli cies.
 Nevertheless, 1t is agreed that there is an enormous amount of unrest in Ger many today which in all probability will lead to sensational internal changes in personnel of the government and in re- form of the obvious abuses of the Ger man governmental system. The German peace party is very active and the gen. eral opposition to the unrepresentative form of government has centered atten- tion on the extreme powers of the junk CTS and pan-Germans, who are being held increasingly responsible for the ills of the country.
 Those who have most recently been to Germany say that internal reform is ab- over and that the chances greatly favor initial steps being taken even during hos Z tilities.
 Austria's influence is becoming morp and more insistent toward a liberil peace. Austria is said to be treated most contemptuously by German officials and given consideration only as the un- avoidable weak link In the chain. Nevertheless, it is known that she would make peace tomorrow if possible and her activity in consulting German statesmen and political leaders Is undoubtedly causing worry at German headquarters.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-12

Cleveland, July 1L-(Special.)-The Iron Trade Review says: As indications from Washington point to the probability of carly action of some kind in the many proposals for better coordination in war relations of government and business, sentiment of marked conservation has seized upon the iron and steel industry
 Buying and selling has become further restricted almost to dullness and this con- dltion strangely contrasts with the many months of seemingly unlimited market activities, The disposition of the entire trade is to wait upon further and def mite informal tion regarding the govern ment's plans before mourning further ob- ligations The reaction from tense to easier conditions geReraly Is regarded as wholesome and salutary development.
 Members of the general iron and steel committee of the American Iron and Steel il stitute are in conference at Washing
 ton at the request of government officials
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-12
SOME PROGRESS S
 MADE IN COMMITTEE ON FOOD MEASURE
Prohibition Feature Will Remain in New Draft of Bill Despite Two-Sided
 Opposition

Washington, July 11-Considerable prog ress toward compromise of food con trol legislation was made today in tho Senate, but several important features still are to be worked out and the whole outlook remains uncertain.
 On the floor perfunctory debate con tinued on the administration bill, which leaders virtually have agreed to abandon but in the agriculture committee such headway was made with consideration of Senator Cores substitute measure that members said final committee approval was withheld only because of minor de- tails.
 The committee, however, virtually washed its hands of the troublesome pro hibition issue. voting to put into the sub stitute the same regulations which tho Senate has already approved. These would also prohibit manufacture or inn portation of distilled liquors and would also provide for government acquisition of all liquor now in bond at cost, plus 10 per cent The latter provision, embodied in the Shoot amendment, has been un- der repeated attack, both from vets and drys, since it's adoption
 
 today was said to be overwhelming in favor of legislation along the lines of the Gore bill restricting the general scope of the legislation to food and fuels. The committee informally approved amend ments extending federal licensing pro
 visions to fuel, limiting absolute govern
 nent control to wheat and fuel, and changing the language of the distilled beverage communicating section so as 70 remove technical objections to the price fixing clause.
 Among amendments to the original bill tentatively adopted today by the Senate was one designed to permit appointment of food administration employees with out regard to civil service rules, but linn ] iting their salaries to a maximum of $350o. Republican leaders vigorously objected to l employment of persons without observ- | ance of civil service requirements, Sena- 1 tor Lodge protesting that any attempt | Ito draw political lines on persons serv- l ing the country would be a great mis- | take, and Senator Penrose declaring this 1 "anether wonderful opportunity to give 1 sinecures to deserving democrats" while republicans are conscripted into the army
 Senator Gronna, republican. and mem Der of the agriculture committee. de- clared there had been no partisan poli- | tics in the amendment to eliminate the | civil service examination. The action of | the committee, he said. was unanimous. | The Senate voted to retain section 1 providing that persons employed in ad- ministratien of the measure shall not be | exempt from military service Senator
 King charged that many young men
 were seeking employment with the gov- ernment in order to escape military serv-
 ice.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-12
COTTON IMPROVED
 THROUGHOUT WEEK
 SAYS U. 5. REPORT

Washington. July 11.-Cotton improved throughout the week that ended yes terday, the National Weather and Crop Bulletin today announced. Its sum mary of conditions follows:
 'Irregularly distributed showers oc- cured in the cotton states during the week. In some sections of the south- Vest the rain was somewhat too heavy for the best growth of cotton, while in some central and western districts there was continued lack of moisture.
 Showers occurred at two-thirds of the reporting stations in Texas, with heavy amounts in the eastern and north central localities, but the rainfall was generally too light to break the drouth. Early planted cotton made fair growth, but late planted suffered in the dry sec tion Cotton plants are In all stages of development in that state.
 Cotton improved in Oklahoma. but more rain was needed; it was well cui- tivated and the early planted was com Ing into blossom. The crop was In fair to good condition in Arkansas. although the bloom is reported to be 15 days late in the central and southwestern por- tions.
 The crop is small and Is from two to three weeks late in Louisiana, built it appears healthy and is generally fruit ing well. The crop was greatly bene- fited by rain in southern Louisiana.
 There was general improvement in Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia, where the plants are fruiting well in the southern counties and blooms were becoming general in the northern. The weather was favorable for cultivation in Tennessee, and although the plants were small. they had good color and squares were forming.
 cultivation was hindered in eastern North Carolina and South Carolina and there was an excess of moisture in parts of Florida, though the rainfall improved the crop as a whole in those states
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-12
yENIZELOs CONFIDENT

NJ Venzeos and our military advisers are confident that this increase and the complete equipment of the army can be carried out so as to place a full ford of men in the Greek divisions in the next four months.
 "Concerning recruiting there can be no doubt. This will remain wholly with M. Venizelos and the Greeks. In the matter of munitions, heavy artillery and other supplies and equipment the cooperation of France and Great Britain will be re- quired. Our military advisers who ac- company me have exact details in re- gard to just what this equipment must be in order to make the new Greek divis- ion thoroughly effective and am confi- dent this branch of the reconstructive work will be carried out rapidly. The army is being reorganized on a most efficient basis.
 NEEDS FINANCIAL AID
 After being torn by internal dissen- sion for the last two years, Greece finds her financial resources sadly depleted and she needs and expects friendly co-opera- ton and assistance of those great powers which wish to see the smaller nations placed on firm and enduring founda- tion. Great Britain and France may be depended on for the army reorganiza ion and in the same way>Swe shall hope to have the powerful assistance of the Unit ed States in realizing effective reorgani- zatioo of the civil brancb Americas CO., operation will be most precious assist ance."
 M. Jonnart next outlined important po- litical and parliamentary reforms which 1t is proposed to carry out.
 '"The constitutional reforms have now been actually drawn up,' he said. "The constitution will settle the questions con cerning abdication of the former King and his eldest son and the succession of Alexander, by making it clear and spe- cific that this abdication and succession were effective and permanent"
 The entente commissioner spoke with satisfaction of the dramatic series of events which were brought about so quickly under his direction-the abdica- ton of Constantine, the succession of Alexander, the retirement of the reac- tionary ministry, the summoning of M. Venizelos, the creation of new regime with M. Venizelos at the head and finally the sweeping into exile of the dangerous elements which had provoked discord for two years.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-12
BESSEMER LIST IS
 NOW COMPLETED
Red Cross Unit to Meet in the Bessemer High
 School

Bessemer. July -(SpeciaL)-The work of revising the registration lists have been completed by the local e~- emption board, composed of Maj T. T. Huey, pr. E. P. Lacey and Ray Till man, which was organized recently over IA beats in this end of Jefferson county and red ink numbers have now been chosen for the 6925 men who registered June B. These lists have been posted in the courUoom of the Bessemer division of the circuit court of Jefferson county In the Realty building and on the signboard Tn front of the Grand theatre on Nine teenth street. and it is the duty of every man to inspect the revised lists and secure his new number so when the numbers are published each one will know whether it is his number or not as the names will not be pub ished when the numbers are drawn. After the numbers are drawn those men chosen will stand a physical ex- animation in Bessemer and all claims for exemption will be heard here. The beats over which the local exemption DOdTd WILL nave CDdISe DOSSS" mer, beat 33 Williams, beat 1; Jones' boro, beat 2; Adger and Johns, beat 3; Aron beat 4; Short Creek, beat 5; Dolomite, beat 2 Meeks. beat "A; Toad vine, beat 27; Gwins, beat 35; Huey, beat 45; Hardwood. beat fl; Mulga, beat 49; Virginia mines, beat 51.
 
 Work is progressing rapidly on the repairs being made al the Little Bell furnace of the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad company and a large force of men are at work, and it IS expected that by the early fall the stack will be ready to be blown in.
 The Red Cross unit will meet Fri day afternoon at o'clock in the do mestic science rooms at the high school and 1t is urged that everyone interested be opresent. Materials have been purchased and the women will be instructed in the making of bandages and wraps for the comfort of the sol diers. A number Of women have taken instructions in this work and it Is expected that large crowd of in terested women will be on hand to assist in this work.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-12
Iron and Steel Market Is
 Quiet and ConserUatiUe
 Waiting on Official Plans

and it is thought likely some important action may be the result. A proposal to CT cate in place of the numerous commit tees war board of few members, to which the President will delegate some of his wide powers for dealing with the iron and steel and other business enter prises, is receiving more serious attention
 Pig iron has quieted down on all sides and is virtually dull Consumers are less inclined to consider purchases while pres ent uncertainty regarding price regua- ticns prevails Producers, on the other land, with large orders booked, are wei coming a chance to catch their breath after the high gear movements of tho re- cent past The market throughout has wholesome appearance. The slowing down of buying has given rise to some reports of easness, particularly in Bessemer. Gen. erally firm condition prevails. Dropping markets have developed in scrap and in coke. Spot furnace coke has come down sl in few days.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-12
GERMANS ATTACK BRITISH FRONT IN
 BELGIUM AND GAIN
 GROUND ON YSER
(Continued from Page One)

Wednesday on the Aisne and Champagne fronts in France and east of the Mouse in the Verdun region northwest of Selo, on the Carso, the Italians have occupied the Austrian town of Dolina.
 slight decrease in the effectiveness of the submarine campaign against Brit ish shipping is noted in the weekly report of British losses. Fourteen merchant ves- ses of over 16OO tons were sunk the last week in comparison with b the previous week. Under 1600 tons three were lost, decrease of two. With one exception, the loss is the lowest of any week since Great Britain began issuing weekly re- ports of shipping losses four months ago
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-12
Despite Greater Expenses
 Railroad Earnings Increase

Washington, July u.-Reports of IFS of the principal railroads of the United States, to the interstate commerce com mission today showed that despite heavy increases in expenses. earnings had i'm creased in May, 1917, more than $S,500. 00o over May, 1916. These roads earned in May. 19ls $1O1, 1892 in 1917, $lo4, ,721. ST. Eastern roads showed a decrease in earn ings which was more than offset by in creases for both southern and western roads,
 May earnings for eastern railroads in 1916 were $45.59o.1 116, for May, 1917, $41,246. TO Southern roads increased from $l5.- l5S, 71S to s15,717.577. Western roads showed gain from $40, 425, 4l9 to $477o7,050.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-12
WASHINGTON'S VIEW

Washington, July n.-Germany' $ latest political difficulties are regard ed by officials here as due largely to internal problems and probably of a transitory nature only.
 The dismissal of Foreign Secretary Zimmerman, Minister of Finance Helf- ferich, or eveh Chancellor Von Beth mann Hollweg himself would be consid- cred large a surface movement, for not until the great army general staff itself is reached. it is believed, vii. the real crust of German militarism be broken.
 Decisions have been made by the mili- tary leaders, it was pointed out today, without reference to the civil branch,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-12
Soldiers Still on Guard

Mobile, July Especial )-Members of the First Alabama infantry, who were guarding the Mobile county jail and who left when the soldiers departed last Thursday, have returned to the jail under an order issued by Brig.-Gen. R. E.. Steiner. They are on duty there and will be kept, according to officials, until the cases of Fisher Books and Albert San ders negroes, charged with the murder of Mrs R. c. Hess of Fulton, have been disposed of
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-12
ACTION IN ST. LouIs

St. Louis July 1.-The directors of the St. Louis merchants exchange today de- clared all trading in September corn off except where necessary to close con- tracts. The maximum price which con- tracts are to be closed was fixed at $1.67.
 The directors also fixed the value of July corn at S1 10.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-12
PERSONALS

William F. Nolan. Jr.. who has been in Canton, O.. for several months, is the guest of his parents, MT. and Mrs. w +. Nolan.
 William Johnson has gone to s. Louis, Chicago and other points, where he is spending his vacation.
 MT. and Mrs c. w. Nixon and Mrs. W. R. West have returned to their home in Tuscaloosa. having come to Bessemer to attend the funeral of F. J. Gillen.
 MT and Mrs. T. H. Read and children have returned to their home in Tus caloosa after a visit to relatives in Bessemer
 relatives in Attalla.
 Mrs. Jack Saunders is the guest of relatives and friends in Montgomery
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-12
JOHN W. ROGERS

John W. Rogers. age 57, died at the family residence. 2630 Dartmouth ave nue, this morning at 5:30 o'clock. The deceased was well known and highly respected here where he has lived for many years. The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock the Rev. Ira F. Hawkins, pastor of Hhe First Methodist church, officiating. h. torment will be made at Union ceme tery with Huey & Mcconnell in charge. Mr. Rogers Is survived by his widow, Mrs. Lucy Rogers; one son, ". M. Rogers; two daughters. Miss Mary Rogers and Miss Mittie Rogers.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-12
OTHER LARGE CITIES

Estimates for other large cities:
 New York Gncluding the Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens and Richmond coun- ties), 6,5O4,1s5; Chicago, s,639,957; Phnadel- phia, 2,O60,O ,O21; Detroit, 1,521,942. Cleveland, 1, 125, 40; Boston, S2S,573; St. Louis, S27,264 Pittsburg, 722, 425; Baltimore. 626,965; Buff falo, COG, ,SS4; San Francisco (and county), $50, ,Sss; Milwaukee, 531.011; Newark, 46s.- 2S1, Los Angeles, 453,627; Kansas City, 451, ,s74 (106, 1884 in Kansas); Cincinnati, 436,- 352; Minneapolis, 4S4,453; Toledo. 36s, ,SS4; Washington, 346,S56; Indianapolis. 339, ,7S5; Akron. 33S34S
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-12
PAUSE COMES IN DEVELOPMENT OF
 POLITICAL CRISIS
 IN TEUTON EMPIRE
,continued from Page one)

declaration of war aims in the sense that Germany went to war merely to defend it's freedom and preserve, its territorial possessions. The Reichstag is asked to set forth with unmistak able clearness the German war aims. The entente would then realize, it is contended, that it is waging war with the entire German people.
 The Germania adds that the cham eellor has accepted the idea and that the formation of coalition ministry is being prepared.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-12
ARMIES OF GREECE TO, BE INCREASED
 TO TEN DIVISIONS
tContinued from Page One,

at once to the important work of recon struction One of the first measures in that direction will be complete reorgani-
 zation of the Greek army so as to make 1t worthy of the country and a real fac tor in the situation. It is proposed to increase the present strength of the army, amounting to three divisions, to 10 divis-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-12
Missing Aviator Safe

Paris, July N.-Sergt. Maj. Antoine Paillard, one of the French aviators who participated in the bombardment last Friday of the Krupp factory at Essen. Germany, and who failed to return, has, it is learned, landed safely in Holland.