davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-08-18

Ashton, president of the Chicago and Northwestern railway, and Charles H. Markham. president of the Illinois Central. They testified that the rail- roads of the United States have handled more coal in recent months than ever before in their history. The Illinois Central. the Chicago and Northwestern, the Chicago and East ern Illinois and the Chicago, Burling- ton and Quincy have loaded in the four months from April to July, in elusive, 100000 more tons of coal than in the same months last year, according to Mir. Markham.
 Mir. Markham declared the railroads were storing many hundreds of thou sands of tons of coal in order to re- lease their rolling stock next winter for commercial use, but denied that this storage would tend to increase the price of coal.
 Refusal of the operators to abide by the agreement of the coal com panies' committee and participate in the hearings was announced by com mittee of operators, who read a re- port reached after a three days con- ference.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-08-18
Negro Miners Adopt
 Loyalty Resolutions

Negro miners at Margaret and Acton mines Wednesday night adopted resolu- tions of loyalty to the state and to the nation, and to the coal operators. accord ing to announcement made here. The ne- groes in their resolutions declared that they would not obey the strike order of the United Mine Workers of America, but would continue to work ''as long as our employers will permit"
 The resolutions adopted by the negroes at Margaret recite that whereas, the government needs the service and peace full citizenship of every one of it's citi- zens, and especially it's miners; therefore. be it resolved, we, the colored miners at Margaret, do make it known to all con- it be common sense. and will not be led into any movement which seeks to frater- nize white men and black men in an or ganizaton, or that We will quit work un- der the direction of such leadership, and we will stay on the job and dig the coal as long as we are permitted to do so by our employers"
 The negroes at Acton, in their resolu- ton, stated; Whereas, we, as colored miners in Acton, Ala, suffered great peril in the strike of 1904 and 1908. and where as, our company gave us every protec- ton at that time, and whereas, we are satisfied with conditions now at Acton and the treatment accorded us by the company; be it resolved, that we pledge our support ana loyalty to the nation and the company, and to put in full time every day, and especially will every man be on the job Monday, and produce more coal on that day than any day during the history of Acton mines
 (Advertisement.l
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-08-18
FLANDERS VICTORY
 GREATEST SINCE
 WORLD WAR BEGAN
Bx the Associated Press

British Front in France and Belgium, August 17.-Another phase of the battle of Flanders has ended and today the en- tente allies are looking back on one of the great achievements of the war. The attack against the Germans east of Ypres, which resulted in such sanguinary fight ing has not to be sure accomplished the advance desired, but the great push to the north of here represents one of the remarkable accomplishments of the year
 The French today were consolidating the positions won yesterday and the Brit ish were establishing themselves well be- yond Langemarck, their forward posi- tions being about half a mile to the east of that place.
 Fighting is still continuing at various points where the Germans are attempt ing to regain lost ground, but the posi- tions remain much the same as at the close of yesterdays heavy battle.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-08-18
GoUernn1ent Control or Entire Coal Supply
 or Country Imminent
President Wilson Turns His Personal Attention to Situation and Hears Owners and Miners in Presentation of Their Side-Country
 Is Growing Restive

would get the same percentage of profit whatever be his cost of production.
 SIX states produce about S5 per cent of the oountrys total bituminous out put. Since there are altogether 26 coal producing states, some districts would Include several states. The aim would be to form the districts so that produc- tion costs in eacn would vary but little, although the difference between districts might be considerable. This plan would mean that the trade commission, or what ever agency the President selects to ad- minister provisions of the law, would direct distribution by districts.
 COUNTRY RESTIVE
 Evidences that the country is growing restive under continued higher prices were seen by officials today in the demand by representatives of 13 state councils of defense, meeting in Chicago, that the gov- ernment take immediate action. Govern ors of some of the middle western states are urging state action to relieve the situation unless the federal government moves quickly
 One element that is giving officials here most concern is the evident inten- tion of labor to force immediate wage increases. Members of the trade conlmis- sion, 1t is understood, believe the prices to be determined for coal should give a wide margin of profit to insure labor a fair wage.
 Operators blame the unequal distribu- tfon of coal on the railroads, which, they say, are not distributing cars promptly. This difficulty, officials believe will be overcome by proper administration of the new law giving the interstate commerce commission wider powers in placing cars, and in directing their movements.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-08-18
Cost of Miners Union Would Be Immense.
 Kennamer'S Order Means Property
 Destruction Negro Miners Loyal
What 1t Would Mean

If the United Mine Workers should succeed in forcing every miner and mine worker in Ala bama to pay tribute to the union, it is a fair estimate that this would amount to $50,000.00 per month. Every dollar of this money would be sent north. To replace this would require a new industry to be located in Alabama, employing 1000 la- borers at an average wage of $2.00 per day, or 500 skilled laborers at an average wage of $4.00 per day. Could that be done?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-08-18
War on Property by
 Union Officials

My attention has been drawn to the published copy of the notice which has been sent out to the engineers, firemen, and bumpers in the mining district" said James L. Davidson, secretary of the Coal Operators association, Friday afternoon. "As obedience to this notice means destruction of property, I as- sumed the notice was from an l. W, w. leader. as one of their cardinal princf- pies Is the destruction of any property which they cannot control, but on reading further was surprised to see that 1t was an official notice from the United Mine Workers of America.
 T wonder If the public realizes the significance and importance of this par ticular noticef If the classes of men named above stop work, it will mean the stopping of the ventilating fans which keep the mine clear of noxious vapors and gases and the pumps which keep 1t free from water. An accumula- tion of vapors and gases in the upper parts of the mine would be one of the sources of bad mine fire, while the accumulation of water in the lower workings would have destructive ef- feet upon the pumps, pipes. rails, and all other machinery in the mine, as we'll as an injurious effect upon the roof and timbering. If the mines should be al- lowed completely to fill with water, which t season like this would not take 7 long, then no matter when the like might terminate, it would be r-Any weeks. if not months, before the coal production again became normal
 People VIII Suffer
 with an acute shortage of coal ham and the district supplied with coal from Birmingham will suffer very ma terial damage. It Is. therefore, to the interest of the public as a whole that the mines should be operated at least to such an extent as may be necessary to keep them in good condition, so that when the strike ends, as 1t must some day. production of coal may at once be- come sufficient for the absolute needs of the community. The public should in- sist upon this'
 T. H. Aldrich. ST.. declared: 'The question naturally arises, how are the firemen, bumpers and engineers to pro- pei their machinery without coal? And how are they to get coal unless miners dig it? None of the mines have any way of storing coal The miners union will call out all of It's members. There fore, the only producers of coal available will be nonunion men. Should Presi- dent Kennamer's order be observed it would mean terrible destruction to prop erty--the incessant rains would soon fill the mines with water, timbers would rot and the mines would be incapaci- tated to yield coal for many weeks, prob ably not before Christmas; thus stopping the wheels of industry and blocking the government in it's desire for coal for war purposes
 Such an order by an official of the miners union means war on property to their own detriment.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-08-18
DEATHS

ch.mbIee. Jefferson Davis.-Died Thursday night at a local infirmary of chronic diabetis, at the age of b6. The deceased had been engaged in the mercantile business here for about 20 years and was well known in this district. Funeral services will be held at the residence of J. w. Chamblee this morning at 10 o'clock, with Rev. J. w. Johnston officiating. Interment will follow at Woodlawn cemetery with Lge Loy in charge. He is survived py the following brothers: John w., Will liam C., and J. B.. Chamblee oe Birmingham; G. F. and A. w. Cham blee of Huntsville; and Thomas r. Chamblee of Village Springs, and one sister, Mrs. Annie Proctor of Columbus,~ Ga. The following will act as pallbearers: c. w. Green, w. w. Bradbury. c. T. Seaton. w. Q. Snyder, c. G. Wiggins. w. D. Sims. Robert Seals and Robert J. Bar riger.
 ChairselI, Clifford Earl-The infant daughter of MT. and Mrs. F. q. Chairsell, 1911 Cullom street, died Funeral services will be held at the residence at II o'clock this morning and interment will follow at Elmwood cemetery with Johns Undertaking company in charge. Sims, Thomas--Age 39. died at local infirmary at 1250 o'clock yesterday afternoon. The body was sent to Hanceville last night by Lige Loy. The deceased Is survived by his widow and four children.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-08-18
President Discusses
 Labor Problems With
 Gompers and Others

Washington, August 17.-Labor condi- tions were discussed today at confer ence between President Wilson. President Gombers of the American Federation of Labor; John Walker, president of the H. linois federation, and John Fitzpatrick, president, and Ed Neckols secretary, or the Chicago federation. None of those present would discuss the conference, but 1t is understood the recent acton or the na tional defense council in creating a hoard to adjust labor disputes involving government work by compulsory arbi- tration was taken up.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-08-18
Antidraft Meeting Held in Dublin, Ga, and Local
 Papers Are Denounced

Dublin. Ga, August 17.-opponents of selective conscription from three coun- ties met here today, heard several speeches against the draft act and passed resolutions calling lon all to defend the rights of free speech and the freedom of the press" Local newspapers. which, it was alleged, refused to publish adver- tisements of the meeting, were denounced in the resolutions
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-08-18
ANOTHER FALSE REPORT
GERMAN OFFICIAL

Berlin, August 17.--(Via London )--Ger- man advanced posts along the Yser canal. near Dreigrachten. in Belgium. were over- run yesterday by troops of the entente allies said the German official state ment issued today. The enemy also cap- tured ground north and east of Blk schoote.
 At St Julien, and at many points far- ther south to Warneton, the statement adds, entente allied forces penetrated the new German battle zone.
 By evening, Langemarck and our lost position" the German general staff re- ports. was again in our hands,
 In all other sectors, the English as- sault collapsed before the Teutonic en- tangements. The German statement says:
 Tn spite of heavy sacrifices the Eng fish have accomplished nothing. By this repulse we gained a full victory. Un- shaken and with high spirits our front stands ready for new battles"
 The general staff announces that the roof and the supports of St. Quentin ca tEedral have fallen in and that the in terior has been burned out.
 Berlin, August 17.-Attacks made yes terday by Russian and Rumanian forces north of Fokshani and on the lower Ser eth river on the Rumanian front, broke down under the Teuton fire, according to the official statement issued today by the German war department.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-08-18
Illinois State Fair Dome
 Building Destroyed by Fire

Springfield, Ill. August 17.-Ffre said to have been caused from the soldering furnace of a timer. who had been work ing on the roof, tonight destroyed the dome building at the state fair grounds valued at S150,oo0
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-08-18

Washington August 17.-Government control of the coal industry appeared im- minent today when President Wilson turned his personal attention to the sub ject and heard the mine operators and interests of the public now will be pre- sented by the federal trade commission, which has just completed it's investiga- tion of coal producing costs.
 Provisions of the food control bill giv- ing the President power to fix coal prices from the mine to the consumer and in- vesting in him authority to requisition all coal produced and sell 1t to the public, are expected to be put into operation al- most immediately.
 The trade commissions report, it was learned tonight. will say that at present prices coal operators, jobbers and retail CTS are reaping exorbitant profits, and that inequitable distribution is adding to cost in many parts of the country
 CASE IS ARGUED
 Operators and miners who oppose gov ernment price fixing in the fear that prices will be pushed down to too low a level put their case before the President today through Francis $. Peabody, chair man of the coal production committee of the council of national defense, and John F. White, president of the United Mine Workers of America. Their idea of a so- lution of the situation, as expressed to the President, is that a voluntary arr rangement be made between operators miners and the government and that no move be made toward enforcement of the drastic provisions of the food bill.
 SITUATION CHAOTIC
 The coal situation, according to off, cials who have studied the subject is in a more chaotic state now than 1t has been at any time. Miners throughout the country are threatening to strike unless their wages are raised to give them a share of the enormous profits made. Prices are soaring. despite the agreement made recently between government heads and the operators, and many sections of the country face a winter with scanty supplies of fuel
 The programme many officials believe President Wilson is most likely to adopt under the power to control the industry would provide that the government con- mandeer all coal produced, dividing the country into districts and fixing a maxi mum price for each district. Under this plan there would be from seven to F districts and in each district a price would be set based on an average cost of production plus definite percentage of profit. The districts output would be pooled and in this way every operator
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-08-18
GERMANS SEND OUT FALSE REPORT ON
 SUCCESS ON LINE
 ABOUT LANGEMARCK
tcontinued from Page One,

AKOm akG OhCy mile in the region of the California plateau It was stopped by the French artillery. The French also checked German attack east of Cerny. The crown prince took the initiative on the right bank of the Mouse. but his at tacks were broken up with loss
 EASTERN FRONT
 The Austro- German offensive in southwestern Moldavia apparently Is slowing down before the stubbornness of the Russians and Rumanians. Tho latter are still fighting desperately in the area of Fokshani and the &c., reth river. and Field Marshal Won Mackensen has made no further appre- ciable progress. Petrograd reports the repulse of several attacks in this area.
 London. August 1.-The official press bureau denies that the Germans have re- captured Langemarck, Belgium.
 Concerning the report in the German official communication that the forces of Crown Prince Rupprecht had retaken the town. which was captured by the British Thursday, the official press bureau this evening issued the following communica- tion:
 The German wireless official commun- ication today contains a series of mis- statements. The right flank of the allies attack on Thursday was on the Ypres- Menin road. There was no attack be- tWaep this I've Tba enemy, therefore. nearly doubled the length of the front of attack.
 'The enemy has not recovered Lange- marck, nor did he make any attempt to do so. A British staff officer reported at p. m. today that he had just returned from Langemarck. where he had been for five hours
 "The British troops hold not only Langemack. but a considerable length of the German offensive position. 800 yards north of Langemarck."
 ANOTHER FALSE REPORT
 '"The reference to Poelkappelle obvious ly is intended to give the impression that the British failed to reach some maginary and distant objective just as ill the German official statement Thurs day 1t was implied that the British ob- jective on the Lens front was Vendin-le- Vieil. It Is sufficient to state that the British troops gained all their objectives, not only north of Lens on Wednesday, but also from St. Julien. northwards, on Thursday"
 The statement also points out that the German claim that the attack on Wednes- day was made with four Canadian di- visions was an exaRgaration
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-11-02
Iron and Steel ReUiew

steel needs to September l. 1918, Is estimated at 1,5OO,0O0 tons of two 10 11h inch rounds Is being arranged for. The iron and steel institute com mittee has canyassed makers as to what portion of this tonnage they can supply. The navy's similar require- ments still are to be brought forth formally. From 100000 to 100000 tons of shell steel also are to be bought for the allies. The 90,000 cars for Russia for which Washington has been negotiating. have been closed. Thirty shops will fabricate the 69,000 tons which the submarine boat cor poration will need for government ships.
 Another week has failed to bring the awaited announcement on pig Iron differentials. Settlement of some of the special grades is reported to be the cause of the delay. New inquiry for various grades of iron for delivery to July 1, 1918. is fairly active and grow ing. Furnaces accepting some orders at agreed base prices plus the differ entials as fixed later are more numer- ous.
 Finished steelmakcrs lontinue grad ually to swing in line with moro lib- eral sales at fixed prices. Adjustments also are being made In products not yet covered by federal action. Concur | rently signs of some revival in activ- ity in extra war business have been appearing
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-11-02

Cleveland, O., November 1.-tSpecial.) The Iron Trade Review today says:
 Whether the governments edict of market adjustment will determine lines of iron and steel yet untouched by federal action remains an open ques- tion and division of opinion which is growing weekly, exists In the in- dustry on this point. Nothing has come out of Washington during the week to throw further light upon what the government proposes to do in this di- rection. In the absence of any pos itive contrary statement that prices will not be fixed, opinion exists that some additional price announcement in some form may be expected. Further deliberation on the suggestion of the federal trade commissioner as to pos sible abrogation of contracts has re suited in storm of protest from the industry and from business generally against so revolutionary a proposal. The strongest argument against the inviting of commercial chaos by such a step is that it Is unnecessary as an aid to the government in obtaining material. Nor will 1t insure more equitable distribution of the restrict ed tonnage open to private buyers.
 Government business Is going ahead heavily. Satisfaction of the army shell
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-11-02
CORN IN SYMPATHY WITH STOCK MARKET
Good Weather Has a Ten. dency to Pull the Mar
 ket Down

Chicago, November 1.-Corn prices av-
 eraged lower today, largely on account of
 sympathy with weakness in the New
 York stock market The close was unset-
 tied at sL17A December and s1.l3A May,
 ssc down to Ac up compared with 4
 hours before. Oats gained Mc to A@7sc.
 Provisions scored a net advance of BOG
 to s1.4s.
 Although Wall street depression formed
 the chief bearish element in the corn
 market, weather conditions likely to pro- mote the movement of grain tended also to pull down values. Besides. crop esti- ! mates from leading authority indicated that the 1917 yield per acre was & of T bushel more than had been predicted on October 1. Trade, however, was the smallest that has been seen for a long time and when shorts tried to cover on a moderate scale in the last half of the session, gradual recovery set in. Small ness of current receipts acted as a mo- ticeable handicap for the bears
 Firmness in the oats market was ascribed chiefly to the fact that tho ar rivals here continued meager.
 Big advances in the cost of hogs car ried provisions sharply up grade. Wash 1 lngton advices emphasizing the scarcity of the hog supply stimulated demand, especially for pork. Commission houses and shorts were the principal buyers.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-11-02
Over s. R. Stuart & Co.'s Wire

New York.-In an interview with a rep- resentative ot the Boston News bureau, CharIes M. SchWab sad: "Bethiehem has all the business it can handle Labor sit uation is easy, but, of course, there is a scarcity. steel production of the country Will prove aaequate to fill the demands of the war. Do not believe automobile industry will have to curtail output be- cause of lack of steel.-Dow Jones.
 New York-Ail railroad earnings are unsatisfactory, some more than others. Companies like Pennsylvanla, Illinois Central Norfolk and others can stand net decreases The weaker companies can- not. We believe all this foreshadows a substantial rate increase. The talk about putting minimum prices on is ridiculous The market is big and broad. It Is going down because we are under conditions never existing before We think before long the country will adjust itself to . worlds war.-E. F. Hutton & Co.,
 New York-I am told by an exporter that freight room is becoming so scarce as to be alarming among shippers, and that considerable cotton will be hedged soon.-Clevenburg
 $. M. Weld x Co.-Should the present held spots continue to be kept off the market, 1t is probable that that portion of the crop which will be marketed during the earlier season will command higher prices, but eventually surplus actuslaia- tions will be offered for sale Whenever this time comes, we believe severe de- cline will occur, and consider sales of long cotton advisable.
 Chicago-Sentment among most. corn and oats traders remains bearish They regard corn as weather proposition and say the duration of high prices depends on the weather and size of receipts. Bulls on corn believe that there will be a demand for all the new corn moved dur ing the next two months at good prices, as old Is exhausted.--Herald.