davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-23
SLACKERS AMONG APPLICANTS FOR
 TRAINING CAMP
Escape From Conscription Cause of Some Applicants Backing Down" Is
 Statement

Now that the examinations of aspir- ants for the second reserve officers
 training camp have commenced it would
 seem that the number who applied is
 far greater than the number that is
 actually ready to go to the camp. A
 number of men who filed their applica-
 tions have been summoned by Lieuten- ant Wallis to come to his office for
 physical examination and have not re-
 piled or shown up so far. Lieutenant
 Wallis is at a loss to attribute the cause
 of this except to the fact that the con
 scription lists have been published and
 that some men seeing their names far down in the list. and figuring that they
 would probably not be called for the drafted army, have backed out Of their
 agreement to go to the camp. A high
 percentage of the men who were rated as first-class arc also being turned down
 on physical reasons.
 Lieutenant Wallis states that the chief trouble is not in getting men, but in getting men of the right kind. Any
 number of boys who have had no
 previous training that would fit them 1 for the work are anxious to go but the 1 lieutenant is afraid that they are not 1 fitted for the positions. He is accepting : only men over 25 years of age who nave finished their education and have had
 some experience in the business world. He is getting few of this kind of men every day and hopes yet to get enough men to send in Alabama's quota of 6rs+
 On July 2S Lieutenant Wallis will go to Montgomery for the examination of
 applicants from the southern part of the state, but he will continue to re-
 ceive applications from men who fill the requirements until the last day before his final report is made. He stated yester-
 day that he would be ready to notify the men who were accepted about Au- gust or s. He requests all who apply now, should come up in person to see
 him in his new office on the eighth floor of the Woodward building. Those who
 have already applied are requested not to come until they have been sum | moned for their examination.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-23
SUGGESTION ON THE SINKING FUND TAX

To the Editor of The Age-Herald:
 In view of the letter of MT. Frank V. Evans published in the columns of The Age-Herald recently suggesting the re- duction of the 5-mill special tax, fla mliarly known as the sinking fund tax, from mills to ? mills on the ground that mills is a sufficient amount for sinking fund purposes; in view of the decision of Judge Sharpe in the McDon- aid case vs. the city of Birmingham, a clear and sound decision of a much mooted question; and in view of the further fact that it is clearly apparent to the reflective citizen that the govern ment of this city cannot be successful ly conducted on less than it's present income, I feel justified in answering MT. Evans question by making a construc- tive suggestion for what 1t is worth.
 First, that the sinking fund tax be reduced from to mills. This will avoid the further increase of surplus which cannot be legally used for general purposes.
 Secondly, that the proper authorities then proceed to order an election to de- termine whether or not special tax shall be levied for public school purposes within the school district of the city Of Birmingham.
 
 school tax of 3 mills on the Sl00 of tax able property which is the limit under the recent amendment to the state con stituticn the effect of this favorable ac- ton of the people of the city would be to release mills from the growing surplus of the sinking fund and to re- lieve the languishing institutions of the city without the addition of one single mill to the present rate of taxation.
 Unless this or some better action is taken by the city to relieve its present financial condition we shall have to await the action and relief of the next g,slature. a delay of two or three years. subject to various and sundry contingencies. Let us help ourselves and then call upon the legislature to do it's part towards our relief
 This puts the matter up to the citi- zens cf Birmingham.
 This would be government of Birming- ham by and for the people of Birming- ham. Surely we are willing to take care of ourselves as people and com munity.
 l think this election can be held on the second Monday in October. 1917. the same date that the commissioners are elected for the next four years
 HENRY PAGE BURRUSS
 Birmingham, Jury q 1917
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-23
SEND MAGAZINES
 TO SOLDIER CAMP

Instructions have been received by the local postmaster. R. B. Smyer. which will result in the distribution of magazines to tIc soldiers in the mobilization camps at small expense. On the cover of each magazine a little notice will be printed. ssPlace one-cent stamp here and send to the nearest post Office." The postoffices will take all magazines that are brought to them and distribute them among the camps. All that are sent from Birmingham at present will go to the camp at Hoboken, N. J. No ad- dress or writing of any kind is necessary. All one mas to do when he has finished reading his mag azine is to affix stamp to it and give 1t to a carrier or take it to the postoffice. There will he a scarcity of reading matter at the camps and everybody is urged to mail his magazines on to the soldiers after he has finished reading them.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-23
BUSY SESSION IF
 TRADES COUNCIL Plans for Labor Day Dis cussed and Standing Com.
 mittees Appointed

Various committees of the Birmlng- ham Trades council for the coming SIX months were appointed at the meet ing held yesterday afternoon. Mrs Jones addressed the members on food conserV- aticn and was given rising vote o1 thanks A large attendance was report ed. Credentials from several local unions we're received and the delegates were obligated
 1t was requested by the ways and means committee that the council advise ak locals to send one representative to assist in perfecting the programme for the Labor Day parade and celebration ass4 soon as possible. All organized la hof in the district, whether / affiliated with the council or not, is Invited to sead representative to this meeting.
 fine following constitute the various committees which were appointed to seFve the council for the next six nlcnths:
 tmevance committee: J. M. Purvis, .Issjcklayers No. l; H. E. Eager, Painters Nc 5i; R. E. L. Connally, District Council; W. B. Humphrey, Boilermakers E w King, Machinists No z.
 A gitation: II. Q. McClurg, Painters No 57; C. M. Holroyd, Paperhangers No S8 D. D.. Addington, Street Railway Employes No. 725; L. k. Sherry. Barbers U. H. F. Mosley. Typographical union No l04.
 Legislative: George Rosell TaiIors' To- cal No 57; Herman l. Ross, Cigarmakers No 405; F. II. Heck, Plumbers No. 9l
 Ways and means: c. A. Jones, Gar raent w, rkers George Rush, Holders J. J. Whelen, Street Railway Employes l.. F. Davls Typographical Union No 1o4; G. w. Holyrod, Sr., Paperhangers No 5s
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-23
MINE WORKERS TO
 HOLD CONVENTION
Interest Centered on Action of Coal
 Operators as to the Union

Much speculation prevails as to wheth- CT the coal operators of the Birmingham district will accept the invitation of the United Mine Workers of America to meet in a conference with the committee from the convention that will meet in this city on July 30. at the call of President J. R. Kennamer.
 Many believe that the invitation will not be accepted, stating there is no in tention on the part of the operators to recognize the union, while some seem to think that the miners will be treat ed with every courtesy and that they will be heard. However, it is stated that two or three of the operators have openly stated that they would have noth- ing to do with the meeting.
 The call for the meeting was issued Friday by J. L. Clemo, secretary of Dis trict % United Mine Workers of Amer ica, President Kennamer being in h. dianapolis confering with the officers of the national union.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-23
NEW IRON ROUTE

To the Editor of The Age Herald:
 The clearing this week of the tow boat Enterprise from Paducah. Ky with several barges of pig iron fer Chicago marks, perhaps, cheaper spring. summer and fall transporta- tion for northern Alabama pig iron
 The route is via the Tennessee, Ohio, Mississippi and Illinois rivers to the Junction with the Illinois canal through to Chicago. It is claimed that there is sufficient depth of water to admit of the passage of well loaded barges and Captain Swain of the En terprise proposes to thoroughly test it out. Of course, it goes without saving that nothing can be done Tn the win ter months of December. January. February and March. because of ivc but it would be very beneficial the balance of the year if there Is actually plenty of water as claimed.
 JAMES F. SLATER.
 Birmingham, July 21. 1917.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-23
TAX RESOLUTION
 MAY BE HELD UP
Realtors Are Against Nasty Action
 on Five-Mill Tax Question

From all accounts it seems that the speech of City Attorney M. M. Ullman before the Realtors on Thursday at their regular weekly luncheon has had effect, as some of the Realtors who were favoring the Motion resolution are now in favor of leaving the 5-mill sink ing fund tax alone until the supreme court rules on the decision of Judge H. A. Sharpe.
 The Realtors declare that they are not in politics. and that they do not want to get so entagled but they want all the light on the subject that is pos sible to be shed prior to their taking final action for or against the resolu- ton. The resolution favoring the lower ing of the 5-mill tax two niils or s3 just such rate as will take care of the indebtedness that it was levied for, is the unfinished business before the Realtors at their next meeting on Thurs day.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-23
COMMUNITY SING
 IS WELL ATTENDED
Lowering of Flag an I'm pressive Ceremony at Con-
 clusion of Programme

In spite of wet grounds the commun-
 ty singers of the city came out in large numbers for the eighth weekly sing yes- terday afternoon at Capitol park and the entire crowd took an active part in the singing Every number of the after ncor's programme was carried out.
 The lowering of the flag. which was the final feature of the programme, was done with especial impressiveness yes- terday. Two stanzas of America were sung by the crowd, which assembled areund the large flag pole. followed by the Star-Spangled Banner, played by the band with the singers joining in on the last two verses. The crowd per- formed this service with enthusiasm, nearly every one taking part in the sing ing
 Inv ocation was by Rev. Lewis w. DGckery. The members of the Twenty club gave the number they were to have rendered last Sunday. This number ana the one by the selected chorus was es- pecially enjoyed Row, Row, Row Your Boat proved to be favorite and was sung by everybody. The solo by Mrs. Joseph Bloch was appiauded strongly and was followed by an encore. Everybody sang America Soldiers Farewell. { 'Nearer My God 10 lnee anu lent ing Tonight" The overture from Norma and the "Firefly," played by Nappis band, proved to be delightful numbers.
 Director Lawrence announced that next Sunday will be special day for children and Boy Scouts. It Is expected that all Boy Scouts in the district who can will attend and all children from to 13 years of age are requested to be there. The older people will attend as usual and will also take part in the pro- gramme but the afternoon will be es- pecially for the children and the Boy Scouts. The scouts will give several musical numbers alone. One of the most interesting programmes given at Capitol park by the singers is promised.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-23
BRILLIANT SERMON
 BY DR. EDMONDS
Demon Possession" Sub ject of Strong Sermon at
 the Lyric Last Night

Dr. Henry A. Edmonds spoke to q crowded house at the Lyric theatre at the services of the Independent Presbyterian church. Demon Posses sion" was the subject of his discourse, which was based upon the historical record of the gospels and showing that demons did possess men in for mer periods. pr. Edmonds went back to the earliest history. showing how perverted thought and teaching had made the myth a reality in the minds and Hives of people. He showed how even in this enlightened day in China incantations of various kinds are p-ae- ticed to drive out supposed devils and in Japan, forward nation as it is, devil doctors" ply a lucrative trade in ex- ercising devils.
 "When men today read the account of demon possessed men and women they ask why and how, not content in this age to take the thought hand ed down by other generations without investigations for themselves" said Dr. Edmonds. Let us look at the peo- ple who walked with Jesus; they were descended from Israel. who in Babylon ian captivity had imbibed the super stition of devil possession. taught to believe that they were quite prone to become possessed by evil spirits al any time and were looking for Ii more or less and the human mind is so constructed that it usually gets what it is looking for.
 Stupid in fear, immersed in super stition, they 1abored under giant mis- apprehension and the cure that Jesus effected was to show up the falfacy of the thing, tell the victim he was free, go and sin no more. showing him that he was possessed by and or God not demons, convincing him Of his rightful place and character and the bound man was free. held up his head and walked free"
 Miss Bissell's solo at the close of the services was a delightful feature of the Lyric services.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-23
Mrs. George w. Scholar
 Passes Away at Denver

Mrs. George w. Scholar, one of Bir- ming hams best known and most highly esteemed women, died yesterday in Den- yer, as the result of surgical opera tfon The remains will reach here Wednesday afternoon over the Frisco line Funeral arrangements will be an nounced later Mrs. Scholar was visit ing her daughter, Mrs. Homer Hesterly, in Denver, but when her condition became critical her daughter, Miss Bessie Barry, was telegraphed for and reached her mothers bedside several days before the end.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-23
"SILYER THREADS"
 AND GRAY IN HAIR 1?
Let Q-Ban, a Simple, Safe, Sure Preparation, Bring Nat ural Color and Hair Health. Not a Dye.

Here is the safe, clean, healthful and certain way to restore the natural color to gray or faded, lifcless hair-the method in perfect good taste and ac- cepted by Americas foremost people.
 Q-Ban is all ready to use. It Is guar guarantee of satisfaction or money back" Only soc for a large bottle at Jacobs Drug Store and all good drug stores.
 Try Q-Ban Hair Tonic 0 Ban Liquid Shampoo, Q-Ban Toilet Soap; also Q-Ban Depilatory (odorless) for remov- lustrated book of lectures. Hair Gull ture. ."-Adv.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-23
.|S THIS GODS WAR?
 THEME OF SERMON
Dr. Stuart Preached on the World War at Methodist
 Church Last Night
STUARTISMS

There are some visitors here to- night and if you give anything at home, give something here; if you don't give at home, don't give any thing here, for we want you to feel at home.
 God is not the author of this great world war; sin is its author
 Be subject to the powers that be. Be loyal to the nation, the President and the flag. We are all American citizens and it is our duty to go when called. It is every Christians duty to respond when the nation calls that we may have the best service for our nation possible-but in it all let us have the Christian spirit and love our enemies.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-23
EASTERN PLAYERS
 SCORE EASY WIN

Planfield. N. J., July 22.-Eastern ten his players had little difficulty in out playing the California team on the clay courts of the Plainfeld Country club today. H. 4. Throckmorton. in the sin gles defeated w. M, Johnston. San Francisco. former national champion, s-s, s-6 Johnston is suffering from badly blistered hand.
 Throckmorton and F. B. Alexander de- feated Johnston and Karl H. Behr, 2-6, 6-2. s-7.
 Miss Molla Bjurstedt. national cham pion, beat Miss Mary Browne, Califor- mia, 6-1, GA.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-23
Mysterious Airplane

San Jose, Costa Rica. July 22.--A mysterious airplane. painted yellow and black. recently has been flyin 3 over Costa Rica. American residents express the belief that it is a Ger man machine and have advised the Panama canal forces of it's presence.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-23

You know I have to laugh at the st- uation that exists in Washington. There is a great big lion up there, and they don't know what to do with him. They want to kill him, but it never has been done before, and they don't know how to go about it. One fellow says, let's cut off a foot, and another says lets chop his tail off, while another says lets cripple him up bad, but there is not a one of them who will say kill this lion the liquor traffic. said Dr. George R. Stuart, in the course of his sermon last night at the First Methodist church, when he preached to a packed house on "Is This Gods War;"
 Dr. Stuart essayed to portray to his auditors the good that is to come and that has already come out of the war.
 "The world is in this war;" stated Dr. Stuart, "but it is not Gods war He is not the author of it, but the fight is now between God and the devil This war is born of ambition, greed, mili- tarism and lack of charity, and it will feed upon hate as long as it lasts God will bring good out of this war, though, for out of it will come lasting peace but this peace will never come from the principles that are now engaged in war, but it will come of the principles of Christianity.
 GOOD FROM WAR
 "One good that has already come out cohol, and giving the people a part in the government
 This discussion at Washington over the liquor situation amuses me more than anything I ever knew. They have a big lion up there that they are all afraid of; nobody will try to kill 1t. for the reason that it never has been done before. The liquor crowd is laugh ing at the ludicrous situation them selves. We are canning most every thing in the world from mushroom up and preserving the liquor traffic in order to conserve food.
 LIQUOR DOOMED
 But the liquor traffic has reached the end of its row now, and, thank God. that war has done that It has awakened the nation to one of the things that is destroying young men and that is sapping their manhood. They talk about putting camps where there is no liquor, where there is no gambling and other evils-the nation is coming to its senses and we are learning what is destroying our boys, for what will destroy the soldier boys will destroy our boys at home"
 Dr. Stuart emphasized the devasta- tion. the destruction and ruin of towns, cities and countries as result of the war, and deplored the fact that all of this money used in the war coulC not have been utilized. even just one days expenditure. to beautify our na- tion, or to be put to some great good. drawing beautiful picture as to what the outcome would have been. One of the principal messages in Dr. Stuart'ss sermon was for all Christian citizens to eliminate hate. to forgive the enemy and to love them, as taught in the scriptures.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-23
TODAY'S EVENTS
At the Theatres
$21,341, ,66U.J4

Lyric: Keith vaudeville. Matinee at o'clock. Night performance at 7:sO and 9:15 o'clock.
 Loew's Bijou: Superior vaudeville and feature pictures. Continuous perform ances, to Il p. m.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-23
OFFICIAL LIST OF FUND RAISED AND
 ITS DISTRIBUTION
Local Institutions Greatly Benefited From Proceeds of Old Newsboys' Day
 Held Last Week

When the total amount taken in on "Old Newsboys' Day for charity was figured up last night it was found that the net amount raised was an even S4400. Previous accounts had given the amount as lower. but these were shown to be incorrect, and $4l0o is the official net returns The boys" raised total of s4lSo. 63, but the was an expense ot $s0.63
 It has been decided to distribute the money in proportion to the amounts that were formerly appropriated by the board of revenue. This will give the Mercy Home $1716, the East Lake Or phanage $1276, the Old Womans Home $66O, the Birmingham Neighborhood House $4S4, and the Alabama Home of Refuge $26i.
 The correct official list of boys" and the amount raised by each, is as fol lows:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-23
OPENS HEADQUARTERS

Cfeon B. Rogers, former county treas
 urer and member of the board of reve-
 nue, is out after votes. MT. Rogers bases his claim for the office of presi-
 dent of the commission on his record
 as a business man and as a public Of ficial of Jefferson county He will wage
 an aggressive and relentless campaign
 for this office, having opened headquar- ters in the Jefferson County Bank build- ing.
 Dr. A. w. Bell of Woodlawn is being boosted by his friends for a seat on the commissioner. He is doing considerable work with cards but has not as yet stated his platform.
 Dr. N. A. Barrett of East Lake is rec
 ognzed as candidate that will be reck- oned with. state his friends, and he will wage a strenuous contest for a seat on the commission.
 Columbus Teacher, who announced some months ago, is still in the race, and is doing a great deal of handshaking among his large acquaintance. James Hanby, attorney, is actively in the race, having made his formal an- nouncement for one of the four places on the commission MT. Hanby states taht he is in the fight to win and that he is confident of his election.
 ANNOUNCED PLATFORM Prof. Henry P. Burrus is an avowed candidate, and seeks one of the asso- ciate commissionerships on his record as a citizen and public man, having an- nounccd his platform through the press. | John w. Taylor, a prominent real es- | tate man and for many years prominent in business and club life of Brming- ham, is slated by his packers to succeed Arlie Barber as commissioner of pulp
 lie safety. MT Taylor says that he is
 running for place on the commission,
 and that he will be elected but his friends say that he will be MT. Barber s l successor.
 John B. Bethea, real estate dealer in
 Bii mingham for years, and well known in business and Masonic circles aspires to place on the commission and has been actively out after one of the seats to be filled at the city hall for many weeks.
 The election takes place on October 8, and the successful candidates will be sworn into office on November l. It is stated there will be other an nouncements within the next few days and much speculation is being indulged in by local political wise ones as to who will take a hand with MT. Barber and Mr. Rogers in the present two o-sided con- l test for chairman of the board of com miSSiOners
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-23

Amount available for~ distribu-
 tion ............... ..........:.... .S4400 ,00