davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-19
RANK DISTINCTIONS IN AMERICAN ARMY ARE EXPL AINE ) No Social Differences Are Implied, Writes Secretary of War Baker REGULATIONS FOR
 DISCIPLINE SOLELY Demagogic and Hypocritical Question From Senate Is Answered in Plain and Open Manner
 by Official
 

Washington, December 1S.--In re- spouse to a Senate resolution asking whether there are war department rules and regulations to prevent social intercourse between officers and men of the army, Secretary Baker today wrote Vice President Marshall that distinctions of rank in the army imply no social distinction and are solely in the interest of military discipline.
 Frequently in country like this, the secretary said, the advantage of educa- tion and culture is in favor of the sol- dier. Nevertheless, he added, safety de- mands that the soldier and officer ac- ouire by con tinuous and unvarying prac- tice the habit of instant obedience to his superior.
 MT Bakers letter follows:
 LETTER FROM SECRETARY
 q have the honor to acknowledge re- ceipt of a resolution in the Senate of the United States under date of De- cenlber Ii, 1917, directing me to inform the United States Senate what, if any, rules or regulations there are of the war department which prevent officers from having intercourse with privates and mingling with them in social intercourse, or which tend to caste, distinction pe- tween enlisted men and commissioned of- ficers when they are off duty.
 s'In response thereto I submit for the information of the Senate of the United
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-19
Two American Sailors
 from the Jacob Jones
 Saved by Submarine
Announced by the German Admiralty

Amsterdam, December B.-Two sailors were saved by the Germans from the American destroyer Jacob Jones, accord ing to an official German announcement received here today
 The Jacob Jones was torpedoed and sank in the war zone on December 6. and 65 men on board were listed as missing. Survivors reported that one American, who spoke German, was taken away a prisoner on the subma- rine.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-19

States the following paragraph of army regulations in regard to the relationship between officers and enlisted men as the only rule or regulation now existing rel atiye to this matter:
 "Superiors are forbidden to injure those under their authority by tyrannieal or capricious conduct or by abusive lan- guage. While maintaining discipline and the thorough and prompt performance of military duty, all officers, dealing With enlisted men, will bear in mind the ap- solute necessity of so treating them as to preserve their self respect. officers will keep in as close touch as possible with the men under their command, Will strive to build up such relations or con- fidence and sympathy as will insure the free approach of their men to them TOT counsel and assistance. This relation ship may be gained and maintained without relaxation on the bonds of dis cipline and with great benefit 10 the service as a whole
 NO ARBITRARY RULE
 sTn this paragraph will be seen an endeavor to arrive at a true balance in the proper relationship between officers and enlisted men; on the one hand to encourage an exchange of confidence and cooperation between the officer and the soldier and on the other to avoid per- sonal intimacies between an officer and any particular soldier or soldiers which might have a tendency to lead to favor tism. or the suspicion of favoritism in assignments for duties and, of course, discontent on the part of those not se- lected for special intimacy by the off cer in question. All officers are ex pected to so exercise their judgment under this regulation as at all times to enjoy the sympathy, confidence and re- spect of the soldiers, and it has always been a part of the instructions given young officers by their superiors to ex- ert themselves to promote this relation ship.
 INTEREST OF DISCIPLINE
 Distinctions of rank in the army are solely in the interest of the military discipline. They imply no social distinc- ton; indeed, in country like ours the advantage of education and culture will very frequently be found in favor Of the soldier; and yet it is necessary that the soldier should acquire, by continu. :. oas and unvarying practice, the habit of instant obedience to his superior. This is as true of officers as it is of men.
 Tn the emergency of battle, whenever conditions tend to distract mems atten- tion and peril is on every side, safety for command frequently lies only in it's organized and co-ordinated activity and this can proceed from one inspira- ton alone, the instant, unquestioning compliance by all with the voice of au- thority. There is no time to debate: no opportunity to consider; the men must have acquired their rule of action, at tention and obedience to command. This habit cannot be created in emergency and forgotten under other circum- stances, but must result from practice which tolerates no exceptions either of persons or occasions.
 "The relationship between officers and
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-19
Snow in Paris

Paris, December ts-The first heavy fall Of snow of the season in this part Of France occurred today. Railroad ana teiegraphic services were disorganized. The Paris boulevards were turned into qnagrnires on account of the lack of labor for clearing the streets.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-19
German suspect Arrested

Amarillo Tex, December lS.-TheI breaking open of his trunk in transit, revealing it is said. a German sol- diers' uniform, and a number of hand written toasts to Kaiser Wilhelm, caused the detention here today of Sol Ludin,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-19

who said he was en route from New orleans to San Diego. Ludin was placed ln iail pending an investigation.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1917-07-30
RECRUITING OFFICE
FOR CAVALRY OPEN
~Enfistments For Regular Army Are
Increasing Daily, State
Officers

The recruiting officers of the First
Alabama cavalry Will begin active
work this morning for the securing Of
the 80 new men they need to bring
their regiment back up to full war
strength. There are at present 1545 men
in the regiment under orders, and this
number must be increased to 1875 The
regiment has been up to full war
strength but several men were turned
down for physical reasons. No trouble
is expected in getting the needed 80
men.
Twenty men were received by the
regular army yesterday, and sent off
to Fort Oglethorpe. Volunteer enlist
ments in the regular army will proba-
bly, stop after this week, and the Of
ffcers expect to have an unusually
good showing when the totals for the
week are figured up. Men may enlist
even though their names have been
drawn for the CONSUMPTION lists until
they have been summoned to appear
before an exemption board for their
examinations.
Men are wanted not only for the reg
ular ranks but also for the quartermas-
ters corps, the forestery regiment, the
bakers and cooks school. the machinists
corps, the signal corps and the aviation
corps
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1917-07-30
United Mine Workers to
C0nDene This MOrninQ
At the BricktdyerS' Hall
Conditions Affecting Miners of the District Will Be Discussed
and Wage Schedule Established-Three Hundred Del
egates Expected to Attend-Sessions to Be
Open to the Public Is Announcement

Brieklayers hail. located on Twen-
tieth street. will be the most inter
esting place this week in Birmingham
viewing the happenings that are ex-
pected TO transpire in this well known
labor temple anent the anticipated
crisis in industrial circles throughout
the Birmingham district. when the
United Mine Workers Of America. dis
trict 20. viii hold the convention called
by President ]. r. Kennamer
The session Will open this morning
at 10 o'clock. Dr. George Eaves in
voking divine blessings upon the medi-
tations of the body. and followed BY
several local citizens who will extend
a welc,--e to the 900 delegates who are
expected to be in attendance The
names of those who will deliver the
welcome addresses have not been made
public by the mine union officials
The convention will hear a state
meht of conditions. general review
of the progress OF the miners in organ
izing local unions throughout the dis
trict and survey of the miners needs
from President Kennamer commit
tee on credentials viii then be ap-
pointed and the delegates seated. One
vote to every five members of local
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1917-07-30
POLICE ROUND UP
SEVERAL CRAP GAMES
Twenty-nine Negroes Placed In City
Jail on Charge of Rolling
the Bones

The '1eben" probably turned a great
number of times but did so without
bringing any real luck to the bunch
of Sunday gamers" rounded up yes
terday afternoon at about O'Clock
by Officers Ellard and Wilson The
"colored sports" in all proba bility,
SHOOK their bones and made their
lucky numbers and some most likely
made fiat sweeps but they were ali
yainly laboring against an 'irresponsi-
BILE evil omen" for around the skip
ping, sliding, rolling bones the play
ers numbered even 10. At least that
is the number the officers changed
boarding houses for from wherever
they were to the special hotel Of the
city, where the meals are free 1t may
be called Bars Inn"
Officers say that there is a special
ordinance in regard to gaming on Sun
day and that at the trial today the
negroes will have to face charges
stronger than usual gaming charges
At 1920 o'clock yesterday afternoon
Officers Burgess, Drake and Ellis
brought up another division of the
Sunday gamers. numbering seven in
all, and the books at the wardens Of
flee Of the city Jail to prove that tho
days work was a full one on the
Knights of the Dice,-show that nine
more were removed to the warden's hotel
at an early hour yesterday morning.
found at the game by officers Newly
and Walker.
A total of 20 in one day spells
rough on dice rollers" they say.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1917-07-30
Convention of M. E.
Churches Is Closed

The Birmingham district Sunday schoo
convention of the c. M. E. church
which held its session last week in Bes-
semer, came to close Sunday after
noon.
]. r. McWayne, vice president of the
American Cast Iron Pipe company. and
Dr. ]. A. Bray. secretary of education,
were the principal speakers.
Dr. w. ]. Turner, presiding elder of
the district, gave out the announcement
that the work during the past year
was better than could be remembered.
The reports showed that the amounts
raised since the last convention exceeded
all others by $75 and that the field had
been enlarged in every respect.
The music furnished for the occasion
was rendered by a trained choir of 20
voices, who sang plantation, melodies and
jubilee songs.
DR.. Turner will leave the city in a
fortnight for Detroit and other indus
trial cities north in the Interest Of the
church.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1917-07-30
Nine Negroes "Bagged'
For Craps Shooting
Bailiff Julius Greene Is Seriously Ill
Escaped Prisoner Returned
to Chiffon

Will Ellis. otherwise known as
SNOWFALL" was sent from the county
Jail yesterday to Chiffon county, where
he has been in confinement there for
sometime He has managed to escape
four times and was captured near Bir-
mingham late Saturday night, and re-
turned to Chiffon county yesterday.
A big haul was made yesterday bv
Deputy McDuff, when he arrested nine
negroes for Sunday gaming The ne
groes were busily engaged in rolling the
bones when Deputy McDuff came upon
them. and he succeeded in bagging the
whole bunch. All were lodged in the
county jail.
Regret was felt yesterday in the
sheriff. office when it was learned
that Julius Greene, who has been
deputy sheriffs for several years, is very
i'll, and will probably be away from his
Job for several weeks Mr.. Greene was
attached to the second division of the
criminal court as baillin for the last
few months, and has the warm friend
ship of the lawyers. the prisoners and
the court officers that he has come into
contact with.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1917-07-30
Lieut.. Wallis Leaves
For Montgomery

Lieut.. John Wallis left Birmingham
yesterday for Montgomery, where he will
proceed to the examination of applicants
from the southern part Of the state for
the second officers reserve training
camp. All those who applied from the
camp from the northern part of the
state have already been examined here
in Birmingham, and as soon as the men
from the southern part of the state are
seen, the men who win go to the camp
will be announced Alabana's quota is
3GS, which has been about reached
Lieutenant Wallis will remain in
will return to Birmingham to announce
the successful applicants and to close
up his office. Applications from men
having special qualifications are still be-
ing received.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1917-07-30

1 union or majority fraction thereof will
be the rule governing the seating OF
delegates
There viii be representative in
Birmingham throughout the convention
from the national headquarters in In
dianapolis- Just who this man is has
not been made public. 1t is stated that
the sessions win be open to the public
and that the discussions and delibera-
iions OF the body will he minus any
executive sessions.
The convention viii meet at 10
o'clock and adjourn for lunch. meet
ing again in the afternoon the hour
TO be set by the convention. There will
be no night sessions unless il is found
necessary When asked for statement
with regard TO the business to be trans
atced, President Kennamer said:
This convention has been called to
consider conditions affecting the min srs
OF the entire district. and that is what
we propose to consider, and in the
course of our deliberations We expect
to establish a wage schedule which
we wish to present 10 the operators at
the meeting we viii hold on Thursday
at the city hall. to which we have In
vited them to attend and confer with
us. Further than that / have nothing
to say. rather preferring to await the
outcome of the convention. which wIll
speak for itself"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1917-07-30
BIG MEN OF NATION
ARE MEN OF GOD
DIR. Branscomb Preached
Sermon at Methodist
Church Yesterday

LAS for me and my house we will
serve the Lord was the scripturdl
foundation for a magnificent sermon
delivered al the First Methodist church
yesterday morning, when DIR. Brans-
comb filled the pulpit at that church
in the absence of Dr. Stuart, the pas
tor.
DR.. Branscomb selected his text from
the twentyfourth chapter of John.
fifteenth verse, and paid a glowing
tribute to Joshua, whom he described
as a man among men. imbued with
patriotic fervor, military ability, yet
he was servant of God.
With all of his greatness, Joshua
was not too great to serve the Lord;
he worshiped God. One of the devil s
favorite tricks is to suggest to young
men and women that it is only the
weaklings, the women and the children
who worship God and serve Him. This
theory has been exploded time and
men who are doing things, the big
men. are church members and worship
God. Our President holds family pray
er in the White House every morning.
said DR.. Branscomb.
The man is the natural head of the
family. and he is responsible to God
for his household and lie must meas
ure up to the standard that God has
set for him to discharge these re-
sponsibilities. l cannot think of words
adequate to describe the man who is
not faithful to his wife, and to his
family, and stands down on the streets
and criticises the CONSUMPTION act, the
war. and the nation-he Is too low
down to have any consideration
whatever"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1917-07-30
SPECIAL VACATION BARGAIN THlr
TO GREAT NATIONAL PARKS

Uncle Sans three great National Parks,
Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain National
Estes, and Glacier are Acknowledgment
tion time is here. The Burlington route
direct to the three National Parks has ar
ranged a generous 3-in-l National Park
Tour. all on one ticket. This is real
travel bargain.
You visit each of these great National
Parks. Then there are any number of side
trips provided at no extra COST Liberal
stop-overs, long return limits and diverse
route privileges
In Glacier National Park the Montana
Roelsiss reach their greatest beauty.
Quaint Blackfeet Indians welcome you to
their tribal doings. Yellowstone National
Park is the land of geysers Here the
new Cody Road presents 90 miles of
scenic splendor unequalled on this CONT
nent Motor through Yellowstone in com
fort over the new Cody Road-the horse
drawn stage is now thing of the past.
Write me when you plan to leave and
how many in your party. / will supply
you with free descriptive literature and
male all arrangements for your tour.
RI. X. Todd, General southern Agent.
ll22-2S Brown-Marx Bldg. Birmingham.
Ala
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1917-07-30
THOUSANDS ATTEND
CHILDREN'S 4SING"
AT CAPITOL PARK
Flag Ceremony and Singing
of National Airs impress
sive Feature-Ukulele
Day Next Sunday

Following the folks yesterday after
noon. Birmingham strollers Witnessed
the most enthusiastic OF the community
sings yet held at Capitol park. X i
estimated that 800 persons attended
Yesterday vas the special day for 10y
Scouts, Camp Fire girls and children
Il was announced that Sunday August
T. will be s6kulele I)ay." and everybody
having nlsulele was urged to practice
the community songs between now and
that time and to be present With them
at the sing August l.. Novices. anna
tours and experts are all invited to CONT
and bring their little ukes.
The Boy Scout drum and fife corps,
directed BY w II. Bason. rendered two
special selections yesterday afternoon,
which proved popular numbers with the
audience and were cheered strongly.
The grand stand was fun OF children.
Boy Scouts and Camp Fire girls, who
sang several numbers in fine style. The
several numbers OF Nappi's Community
band came Up to the usual high stan
dard. The numbers which were sung by
everybody We're america Onward
Christian Soldiers, Dixie and SUI
vance River The oath Of allegiance to
the flag was repeated by all. after Di-
rector Lawrence.
The lowering OF the flag which was
the last number on the programme. was
especially beautiful and impressive yes
tcrday. All adults gathered en- the east
side of the great flagpoe. all children
on the west side and the Boy Scouts
stood on and around the statue. Direc-
tot Lawrence stood on the side OF the
statue Immediately next the fagpole and
directed the ga ing Of America" one
stanza Of which was heartily sung ~
the children alone The drum, hugle and
fife corps, assisted the band In playing
America, and the star Srangled Ban
ner,' the latter being played as the flag
was slowly lowered, while the entire
crowd made the salute.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1917-07-30
PRACTICAL SERMON
BY DR.. EDM()NDS
Authority of the Door, Is
Theme of Splendid Dis
course at Lyric

1.-THE Authority of the Doer'' was the
subject of the foreeful, practical ser
mon preached by Dr. Henry NJ. Ed
monds at the Lyric theatre last night
before an overlooking congregation.
The text was taken from the incident
of the lame man at the pool. which
decided the condemnation of the
watchful Pharisees for the healing OH
the Sabbath
The cured man took up his bed and
wake 3D." said DR.. Edmonds, 'and when
taken to task said simply, He that
healed me. He it was who said, Take
up thy bed and walk Regardless Of
the sick mans plight. lying helpless
for many years, seeking healing in the
pool and the water; the Pharisees
questioned his daring TO carry his bed
ON the Sabbath. But his swift answer
carries it all: He who healed had
the authority to bid me carry my bed.
and l did and am well The same
principle holds good in all phases of
life. 1t isn't the talker but the doer
who accomplishes things and who has
the authority in business.
Is oecduse Jesus - doer OF
things that l present him. He it is
who has the power to make The weak
strong, the thief honest. the unclean
clean and decent. His power-is abso-
Lutte. They who lay hold upon him
may rest assured of victory If only
they will live according to his law of
love and obedience. There are ener-
getic people without kindness and
kindly people without energy. 1t is
the combination of the righteous en-
ergy that constitutes a real doer OF
things and an authority"
An attractive feature of the eveninz
was the beautifully sympathetic con
tralto solo by Mrs. Crowder
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1917-07-30
SOLICITOR BLACK
SEEKS TO SET ASIDE
COUNTY WARRANTS
Validity of Warrants of the
Board for Redemption
of Scrip To Be
Tested

The last case in which Hugo Black
will appear as county solicitor will be
heard this morning when the case of
the board of revenue against Leo Kay
ser will come before Judge Hugh
Locke of the chancery court. Mr.. Black
Will represent the board His resigna-
ton will become effective on Tuesday
and he expects to enter the officers
reserve training camp at Fort McPher-
son. He has successfully passed his
physical examination and filed his APP
plication sometime ago, and expects to
have no trouble in being admitted.
The case that will be tried today will
determine the validity of about $250,00O
worth of warrants issued by the board
of revenue against the fine and for
fixture fund, and is the result of two
complaints that have been filed by So
lieitor Black. The first complaint asked
that the warrants be declared null and
no charge against the county, and in
the other complaint, issued Saturday,
it was alleged that approximately s44.-
900 has been paid from the general
fund for the retirement of warrants
against this special fine and forfeiture
fund.
The complaint also alleges that this
fine and forfeiture fund is insolvent
and that most of the warrants are held
by spectators who have bought them
up at 10 to rs cents on the dollar 1t Is
commended that the general fund is
solvent, and is made up of the taxes
that have been paid by the property
holders and the second complaint asks
th2t no more money be paid from this
solvent fund to retire claims from the
insolvent fund. The warrants that will
figure ins the case amount to only
about 5000, but the validity Of the whole
amount will be affected by Judge
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1917-07-30
MAGAZINES FOR
SOLDIER BOYS

About 100 magazines are being received
at the postoffice every day to be sent
to the soldiers in the several military
camps. Arrangements have been made
81 that everybody can send magazines
to the soldiers as soon as them finished
with them. All that Is necessary is to
put a one-cent stamp on the cover and
give it to a mail carrier, or drop it in
a mail box. No address or writing is
necessary. The magazines that are re-
ceived here now are being sent to a
camp at Hoboken. but Postmaster Smyer
states that he thinks that as soon as
the southern camps are organized, Bir
mingham magazines will go to one OF
them.