davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-03
THREE CORRECTIVE
 ORDINANCES PASSED
Conviction to Mean Rev0ca- tion of City License-SaIe
 of Weapons Prohibited

Three corrective ordinances were passed by the commission yesterday. One was aimed at junk dealers who are convicted. The other was directed against the thugs, and the third against the person who, to evade the two-quart liquor ordinance, gives fictitious name.
 The thug or footpad will have hard time obtaining blackjacks. billets. sand bags and the other instruments that cause the victim to wilt away following smart rap. The ordinance, No. 447-C, prohibits the sale of bowie knives, brass or metal knucks, dirks, billets. slingshots and sandbags.
 The liquor ordinance provides that any person, who uses a fictitious name to violating the city code. It also prohibits the express companies from delivering liquor packages to any consignee on Sunday or before a. m. and after 5 p. m. There was some doubt expressed by Commissioner Weatherly as to whether the ordinance was constitutional, but he voted for it.
 The junk dealer, who Is convicted in the courts of larceny or of receiving stolen property, will have his license re- voked. In order to obtain a license, a junk dealer must have the indorsement of 20 reputable householders and their testimony that the applicant is of good character.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-03
CANNING FACTORY FOR BIRMINGHAM Expert States Great Field in Birmingham for New
 Industry

Henry Mcdonald. canning expert of the Dixie Canning company of Little Rock, who has been in Birmingham in the in- terest of the proposed cannery, sees in Birmingham and this district great field for a large cannery.
 "The freight on canned goods alone Into Birmingham approximates s150.oo0," he said, This is just one of the items of expense that will be saved"
 While in Birmingham MT. Mcdonald conferred with the Chamber of Commerce, C. F. Bell, J. E. Ramsey and L. F. Wade, business agent of the Farmers union, all of whom are interested In the building of the cannery As result of his visit, hastened.
 "The future of this district is bright for a canning factory" he said. "It would be great outlet for farmers all over the state. I believe that the establishment of 0 cannery here will be one of the biggest things that could possibry be done for the farmers and the people generally of this district. It will do more for crop diversi- f1cation than anything else that can pos sibly be done
 With modern cannery located in Bir- mingham, the farmers can go ahead and plant their diversified crops with the as- |surance that their crop will not be left on the market. It will save the cost o1 freight to the consumer. and thereby un- dersell all outside concerns
 The proposed cannery will be taken UT by the ChamberAof Commerce at an early meeting, and further plans formulated for getting the plant constructed at the earliest possible date.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-03
KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS PUBLIC INSTALLATION
 AT FRATERNAL HALL
Officers-Elect of Phoenix Lodge Will Be Installed Tonight by Graham Perdue-All Pythians and
 Friends Invited

An event of interest in fraternal cir cles will be the public installation of officers of Phoenix lodge No. 25, Knights of Pythias. this evening at the Fraternal hall. An interesting pro- gramme has been arranged and a splen- did time is assured. The installing of ficer will be Past Grand Chancellor Graham Perdue and other past and present grand officers are expected to attend.
 The chancellor commanders elect, A. F. Runner, one of the most active Pythians in the district, and under his for the lodge. All Pythians, their fami- lies and friends are cordially invited to attend. Refreshments will be served. The programme follows:
 Installation of officers by Past Grand Chancellor Graham Perdue; piano solo by Miss Julia Faley; address by Past Grand Chancellor Perdue; address by Prof. Thomas R. Walker, former dis trict deputy; bagpipe by R. H. Camp bell; Scotch songs in Highland costume by J. K. Stewart; humorous recitations by Percy Rosenberger.
 The following officers will be in- stalled:
 A. F. Hummer, chancellor command CT; w. R. Hamlett, vice chancellor; o. IS. Golson, prelate; B. M. Zeigler, mas ter of work; w. H. Elliott keeper of records and seal; Frank Arrico, mas ter of finance; J. Sandman, master of exchequer; w. T. Jones, inner guard; J. K. Patterson, outer guard; John A Fisher, trustee (re-elected) and also representative to the grand lodge; B. b Meadors, member of the central relief committee (re-elected).
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-03
LETTERS TO EDITOR
Scriptural Translation

To the Editor of The Age-Heraid:
 Your editorial on the "Commun Christmas Tree of New York; was inter esting, but all wrong. The quotation { which you take exception is exactly righty and New York knows it's Bible betted than I had dared to hope was possible] "On earth, peace, good will toward men3 appears in the authorized version of Kinal James, a translation made in large part| from doubtful manuscripts as far back as1 1611. Since that time discoveries of an-| cient manuscripts of unquestionable age and authority have not only justified but compelled the translation that now al pears in the revised version, sPeac4| among men in whom he is we'll pleased. "] or another reading equally good is ''Peacc] unto men of good pleasure" The exae& wording of thee New York -quQt ton is taken from Wyclifr's version of t. New Testament. which while it antedates the authorized version, in this particular is nearer the truth. Wyclif reads. Peace to men of good will"
 "I feel that ought to write thls letter in justice to New York, and to some of your readers who might be misled. Tho gentleman who designed that electric sign evidently knew his business. Sincerely yours, MIDDLETON s. BARNWELL,
 Rector Church of the Advent.
 Birmingham, January l, 1916
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-03
CHRISTMAS CARD
 FROM WHITE HOUSE

Of course. everybody gets New Year greetings.
 There's nothing unusual about the little engraved card. expressing the seasons 8 greetings.
 But everybody doesn't get greetings from President Woodrow Wilson.
 If they did, Sol Caheen perhaps would not be quite so proud of the tiny little piece of cardboard the mall man left with him yesterday.
 The return address was simply "The White House"
 Inside was card which read:
 'The President thanks you most sin- cerely for your kind message. and ex- tends New Year greetings"
 Somebody said that the President had MT. Caheen on his mailing list.
 But it seems that MT. Caheen just sent MT. Wilson a Christmas card, and the President sent the New Year greet ing to 'get even.'r
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-03
THE DOVE OF PEACE
 IS NEARLY ROUTED

Tho dove of peace fluttered over the meeting of the city commissioners yester- day An oratorical shot from Commits sioner Arlie Barber anent the matter of Ignoring him in regard to the ten- dered resignation of pr. Cecil Gaston as city health officer, Was stayed when President Ward urged him to withhold his comment.
 T want to show the people that we can conduct our business without pebble, at least until the last of March," he said.
 Hobbies are good things" Commission CT Barber said in rejoinder, but held his tongue.
 This was the nearest approach to a scene during the commission meeting yes- terday.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-03
ERECTION OF TANK9 PROVES TOO COSTLY City Will Not Entertain Proposition to Engage in
 Sale of Gasoline
Birmingham will not engage in ths

Birmingham will not engage in the gasoline and oil business.
 After having voiced the opinion that the city ought to curb the efforts of the
 big oil producers to extort high pricss&
 of gasoline by erecting it's own tanks
 and buying direct from the producer,
 Arlie Barber announced that he had virtually foresworn the idea. The cost of erecting these tanks would be con siderable. he said, and the question of distribution was an harassing problem The issue was brought up when ts. purchasing agent announced that tff William c. Robinson & Son Co. of Bal timore, which is erecting a plant North Birmingham. had submitted bid for the 1917 contract of the ci for gasoline and 1ubricating oils. 1t fered a reduction on gasoline. The co
 tract with the Standard Oil compar which has lapsed but which Is still ing carried in anticipation of rene ing it, gives the city gasoline at a co of l cent under the current figure. The new oil company proposes to gis Birmingham a rate of cents under th prevailing price on gasoline. Howeve this rate is qualified by the understand | ing that all lubricants for municipaly uses are to be bought from the same company. Purchasing Agent Griffin l said that lubricants amounted to one third of the entire oil bill.
 | The matter of making the 1917 con-
 tract was referred to Commissioner
 Barber and the purchasing agent 1 Though gasoline is selling at about
 23 cents in Birmingham, MT. Barber said that 1t was being retailed at 16A
 cents in Chicago and 1872 cents at Ter
 re Haute, Ind.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-03
School Tar Election 10
 Be Held January 30

that the prospects for majority vote on this question were very promising, but that 1t was necessary for everyone in favor of the measure to put his shoul- ders to the wheel and work to make sure its passage. He stated that a whirlwind campaign would be started as soon as the date of the election was assured and that he had the promise of workers in the cause from almost every calling, trade and profession. He said the people were thoroughly aroused on the educational question and were determined to provide facilities that would tend to forever re- move the blight of illiteracy from the city and state.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-03
PRATT CITY POOL
 ROOMS TO BE CLOSED
After March 1 Licenses Will Not Be
 Renewed, State Commissioners

The pool rooms In Pratt City are to go
 This decision was reached yesterday morning when the commission voted in response to petitions of Pratt City resi- dents. that the city would refuse to re- new the licenses of the pool rooms now opera ting there.
 After hearing the two sides of the sit- uation, the petitioners representing that the pool rooms were menace to the com munity, and the proprietors insisting that the pool rooms provided an innocent form of recreation and were run orderly, the commissioners decided to allow the pool rooms to operate until March 1. After that date the licenses of the city will not be renewed.
 The tabooing of the pool rooms in Pratt City precipitated another issue. z Arlie Barber announced that he would order an investigation of he pool rooms in all of the suburbs. T understand that they are causing some little trouble in other suburbs" he commented.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-03
ROUTINE BUSINESS '0F CITY COMMISSION

~ ing8 The summary of the proceedings of the sGeI9 commission shows that there was great this amount of routine business to be attended sss to yesterday: It follows:
 f& Approved vouchers, pay rolls and con-
 Bat tractors estimates.
 Adopted ordinance No. 44S-C, an ordi-
 a nance providing for the revocation of cer-
 the tain licenses upon conviction of certain
 not 4offenses.
 theiT Adopted ordinance No. 447-C, ordi-
 a. Nance prohibiting the sale etc, of bowie nsTa ba snives brass or metal knucks, dirks. bil- k of tl1sts, slingshots and sandbags. e z "BaAdopted ordinance No. A5-C, as an ordi-
 swas Nhnce to further suppress the evils of ns !, st 4ptemperance, etc. ~ IT PPbut ffApproved for payment bill of Stallings sam6 Brazelton of $6 in case of S. M. Perry Sder Ns. W. c Burson.
 ' R rsnfrmed assessments under improve SJp.bAe n, ea4 ordinance. No. s23-C, ordinance mem ,u Nyiding tor the construction of certain pro am, a1ry sewers.
 sanita.4 (wsarmed assessments under improve Con9 pass ordinance No. 914-C, ordinance mertf xaoviding for certain improvements on prJ Jthrouputh Forty y-seventh street. So5 ssHConirmed assessments under improve asviola'ent ordinance No. s94-C. ordinance mdt'pns Ading for the construction of certain proN Ri Iy-Ary sewers.
 sanits m Sonfrmed improvement ordinance No. Cyeserve. an ordinance to provide for the con e41- $struction of certain sanitary sewers. V R Confirmed improvement ordinance No.
 E 940-C, an ordinance to provide for the con
 TTkstruction of certain sanitary sewers. s rig6Confirmed improvement ordinance No,
 not&e-C. an ordinance to provide for certain s3sl glannprovements on Sixty-eighth street, irf @orth, from First avenue to Third avenue. pV %onfirmed Improvement ordinance No. t@ @CNUA ~ an ordinance to provide for cer- PSS-CT Improvements on Fifteenth avenue. Soul Confirmed improvement ordinance Mo-.
 CY HyC, an ordinance to provide for certain DS7-l brovements on Avenue w. Ensley. imT l. 0onfrmed improvement ordinance No. #Cl Nc, an ordinance to provide for cer- S35 Ain improvements on South Twenty taM xth street.
 siH &Confirmed action of Commissioner Bar
 8 &er in releasing certain prisoners from # he city Jail probation. tfs M Ordered tungsten street light installed
 N &t Avenue F and Nineteenth street, south. sss The following matters were referred:
 To the City Attorney: Communication
 V &from city engineer with reference to M Ndrainage conditions at Fountain Heights sE UMethodist church. Claim of Annie Mead-
 lows for refund of fine imposed under or IKE Xdinance No. 345-C
 zGE Fro Commissioner Truss: Petition of cit
 .,kns of East Lake asking that work be ,ixt1 pri he on Eighty-ifth street between First doll cosR Fifth avenues, north.
 entA hovlIpmmissioner Barber and the Purchas- I C1 nsvN Agent: Bids of certain companies for ing for Rishing gasoline and lubricating oils furi' self the city.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-03
DR. HARRINGTON TELLS COMMISSION
 WHAT HE HOPES TO ACCOMPLISH HERE

The announcement that Dr. Gaston had accepted the temporary position of assist ant county health officer brought Com missioner Barber to his feet He dwelt Upon the fact that these duties interfered with Dr. Gaston's work as city physi- ciaE, that he had received a complaint from prisoner that he had not received proper treatment; that Dr. Gaston's res ignation as city health officer had been rendered and that he insisted upon some action.
 {. It seemed as though the inevitable bat tie was on. However, President Ward urged, in view of the complications which had arisen, that the matter be consid- cred at conference later during the week. With some reluctance Commis- sioner Barber acquiesced.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-03
DEATH TOLL HEAVY
 IN ALABAMA MINES

The death toll in the Alabama mines was heavy in 1916.
 Figures compiled by State Mine In- spector c. H. Nesbitt show that 114 men lost their lives while engaging in the op- erations of producing the annual output that will approximate 16.50O,OOO tons. But for the Marvel mine disaster and the Bessie explosion, the toll would have been below normal. Forty-eight men lost their lives in these two gas explosions, both of which occurred in October. In 1915, 6 miners were killed. and 126 in 1914
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-03

Dr. F. E. Harrington is not pledged to carry out the Fox unified health sys- tenn plan
 He Is here to look after the general health work in Jefferson county.
 This fact developed yesterday morn ing when the all-time county health of- fcer appeared before the commission and gave notice that he had arrived to con- serve the health of Jefferson county and the towns within it and that he was not pledged to carry out the Fox plan. How ever, he admitted that it was the desire of the medical society to have it in- stalled.
 T am here merely as the all-time coun- ty health officer" Dr. Harrington said,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-03
JUDGE w. H. WADHAMS
 ON PRISON REFORM

Judge William H. Wadhams, of the New York criminal court, will speak in Bir- mingham on Prison Reform January 2.
 Judge Wadhams, who is known to be an authority on this subject. will appear under the auspices of the Social Service organization. the Alabama Prisoners as- sociation, and other local bodies.
 Arrangements win probably be made for luncheon at which he will be enter tained. and at which he win make his ad- dress. He will only be in Birmingham one day, coming here from New Orleans.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-03
Funeral of Whitridge Held

New York. January 2.-With men of world note among the honorary pail bearers. and with a complete cessation for five minutes of the Third Avenue Railway system of which he was presi- dent. the funeral services of Frederick w. Whitridge. railroad lawyer and polit- ical economist, were held here today at Grace church. The honorary pall- bearers included Theodore Roosevelt, j.. P. Morgan. Sir Cecil Sprjng Rice. British ambassador. and Joseph H. Choate.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-03

January 30 was tentatively selected as the date for holding the school tax cleo tion at meeting held yesterday in the office of Commissioner John R, Hornady After discussing the situation a commit tee was appointed, consisting of John R. Hornady, Prof. P. M. MeNeill and Sidney J. Bowie, to confer with the board of reve- nue as to the advisability of holding the election on the above date.
 It was suggested at the meeting that after the above date there would have to be revision of the poll tax lists and that unnecessary delay would follow.
 Commissioner Hornady stated last nigh
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-03

after being presented to the commission by J. R. Hornady. and am not here as the representative of the government. Nor am I here to unify the health systems of the city and county. Go not want to take away from you anything that is yours. Dr. Gaston has consented to serve as my assistant county health officer and will remain in charge of the city's work"
 Following Dr. Harrington, who made an impressive, frank talk to the board, Commissioner Hornady stated that the attitude of the city was known, Aybt that very few persons knew just what the Fox plan called for. He suggested that City Attorney Ullman be asked to review the voluminous plans and report just what the system proposed and what part the city was to contribute to it's work.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-03
Robbery Charged

Mamie Williams. colored. was arrested last night by City Detectives Propst and Fuller on a charge of highway robbery. It is alleged that the woman and a male accomplice held up anderobbed A., J. Joyce of watch and sS in cash. The robbery occurred at Twenty-fourth street and Fourth alley. The watch and money of MT. Joyce was recovered by the detec- lives.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-03
Motor Truck Wrecked

A motor truck of the Swift company was wrecked about 5:10 o'clock yesterday morning as the result of a collision with car of the Southern Railway company at Twenty-f street and Morris ave- nue- The truck was driven by Louis Tate, colored. No one was injured The accident was considered unavoidable and no arrests were made. As
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-03
Annual Dog Tax

The annual dog tax has been levied by the commission.
 President George B. Ward stated that 1t would be due and collectable on Jan uary 15 A tax ofs$1 on every canine in the city must be paid, or arrest will follow.
 Though the year of 1916 has fled, the street taxes that were levied for that year and have not been paid will be sought by collectors A vigorous ef- forh to get this additional revenue will made
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-03
Humane Society

Mrs. w. N. Wood, president of the Bir- mingham Humane society. apreared be- fore the commission yesterday afternoon and requested that two officers be de- tailed to serve as humane officers.
 The commission responded that it was not in position to grant this request. MT. Barber offered to detail one officer, provide him with motorcycle and have him devote his full time to this work, if the Humane society would pay $50 monthly in the city treasury.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-03
Auto StoIen

The five-passenger Overland automobile of T. s. Herren. 161S Eleventh avenue, south, was stolen last night from the Bijou theatre. The theft was reported to the police department. but up to an early hour this morning no trace of the stolen car had been uncovered.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-03
The Psychology of Health

''The Psychological Basis of Health and Happiness will be the subject of pr. Thomas P. Byrnes, in the open forum of tho First Unitarian church, 725 North Nineteenth street. Wednesday night of this week, at o'clock. Admission free.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-03
Alaska Town Burns

Valdez. Alaska, January 2.--Fire today destroyed the business section of Valdez and sweeping beyond the control of fire fighters threatened to destroy the docks.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-03
TODAY'S EVENTS
OF BIRMINGHAM Statement December 27, 1916 RESOIIR CES
At the Theatres

At the Theatres Jefferson: Spectacular photoplay, "The Birth of a Nation;' ;'Pmatinee at 2:9o; night performance at S:15 o'clock. Lyric: Vaudeville; matinee o'clock, light performances 7:30 and o'clock. Bijou: Comedy success, Dream Girl D Mine;" night performance S:30 o'clock Majestic: Musical comedy and feature pictures. 4 At the Photoplay Houses Btrand: Henry Walthall in '"The Truant soul." krrinagle: Frank Keenan in "rhe Sin s@ Do." Q Colonial: Pauline Frederick in "The tcave Market seOdeon One-Charlie Chaplin in 'Tillie's nlnctured Romance" to2ialto: E. H. Sothern in "The Man of cystery." | Trianon: Cleo Madison in Black rchid.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-03
FINDER MAKES STATEMENT

When shown the statement, Dr. James H. Finder, resigned president of the Board of Trade, gave out an interview, in which he says: Several of those who signed the statement referred to were no- tified that a meeting would be held, and each one of those I have reference to, although I will not mention names, told me he would come if he could, but if he could not come to go ahead in his ab- sence.'
 Tn reference to the signed statement of certain members of the Board of Trade" said Dr. Finder, that because of the fact that they were not present on last Friday the proceedings taken at that time were invalid all that I care to say is that at meeting held on December S. at which a legal quorum was present, bylaws were adopted, not amended or altered, because prior to that meeting the Board of Trade, as incorporated in Mo- vember, 1914, was acting without any by- laws, and these bylaws were in full force and effect at the time the meet ing was held last Friday. when officers were elected. As legal quorum was present at the Friday meeting, the ab- sence of the gentlemen who did not come did not invalidate the proceedings.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-03
IGNORANCE OF CHARTER

"As many statements have been pulp lished, as coming from those who were present at the meeting held in the Cham Der of Commerce on last Saturday, at which time an absolute promise was made by all present that no interviews or statements should be given to the press and which agreement or promise I have scrupulously kept feel compelled to make the statement that some members of the executive board have shown a most lamentable ignorance of the con- tents of the present existing charter of the Board of Trade or they would not so loudly and continuously cry illegal ity' in the matter of the reorganization of the Board of Trade.
 q ought not to call 1t a 'reorganiza- tion,' but rather means by which the Board of Trade should turn or retrace it's steps to the place where it might op- crate under it's charter and the laws of the state of Alabama, and in the manner intended by those who were members at (ContiAued on Page seven)