davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-02-25
FRANki.IN PRINCIPAL.
.IEII> OF, CONN WORK

Says the letter
II have just COM from u-etinc
"f our c"mmiunity league. and feel
so good about I'll. meeting that I must
write to thank You FOR giving us such
start
We have enrolled slN,y-nve mcinbers.
and committees No.. appointed a fol-
luws: education. membership. santa
ton. town Improvement and morals
All Of these committees held meetings
Immediately. ana each submitted an
excellent report az WORK acc"mpli Sh ed
and work planned for tn" year at our
second meetim. t"-nignt Tho member
ship Commits" reported Over 10" new
members. ami treasurer t"p"rt"d sixty
four PAID members III" education
committee has taken ~ tn" matter of
library for our graded school A
donation party held last ThursdS y,
and over 100 books w"r" given by
1873 irons and children. and every grade
* working Tor a book caS" The same
committee iS ais" looking int" The
causes Of irregular attendance. and is
eud.a vorinY 10 stir Hp sentiment IN
favor ~ incrcasir. th- pay of tho
grade teachers. They nov get only
$50 per month think they viii sure
j. get substantial increns" next year.
\ private citizen gave $40 /" pay for
cleaning and disiufectiu. both school
buildings. which was done during tn"
holidays. This citizen also made great
Improvement in our water system. He
is Il member Of tn. sanitation com
miti-e.
The town improvements committee
reports that il plans I" beauty Ger
tain parts Of IN" town. aud the mora Is
committee n.so recommends enforce
men, Of tn" sunday laws in regard to
several business places il town.
".tll til. reports We're freely DIS
,uSS.d. and exc y on. left I'll" meeting
feeling that the league was successfully
launched. Every one wonders wh% Nc
have not been doing these things all
along "
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-02-25

lne and ventilation. bull, book cases
and furnished library room. added
books 10 library. extended school term
!" n!ne months and improved III. road
10 school
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-07

"Blackened walls of what must have
 been manufacturing plants were to be
 seen in many towns, the salvage of
 which would scarcely pay for their re-
 moval Agricultural implements on the farms were destroyed, churches and ca
 thedrals were reduced to a mass of ruins
 by fire or by explosives.
 At the town of Ham the mother of
 six children told me that her husband
 and two daughters, one IS and the other
 15 years of age. had been carried away by the Germans at the time of the evac-
 uation. Upon remonstrating she had been told that as an alternative she might find their bodies in the canal in the rear of
 her house. She stated that out of the towns total population, several hundred
 people had been compelled to accompany the Germans, nearly half of whom were
 girls and women over 10 years of age. A large number of French people, 1t is be- lieved, in the evacuated town and sur rounding country were compelled to go with the Germans from the fact that few are now to be found there. Inspected on my trip more than 100 miles in the invaded territory and left with the conviction that never before In the history of the world had there been such thorough destruction wrought by either vanquished or victorious army"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-07
FOOD SUPPLY OF
 COUNTRY MUST BE
 CONSERVED NOW
Secretary Houston Leaves for Middle West to Hold Conferences on Meas
 ures to Be Taken

Washing gton, April 6.--Food produc-
 ton and distribution for the war pe- riod were discussed at today's cabinet
 meeting and afterward Secretary Houston announced that he would
 leave immediately for St. Louis to con fer with agricultural experts from the great cereal growing states of the mid dIe west on the problem. As soon as possible he will hold similar con- ference in the east.
 The administration, through the de- partment of agriculture and commits sion of national defense, has mace preparations of a nation-w wide charac- | ter for increasing and conserving the food supply of the country to meet the war time demands and the necessity of forwarding larger amounts to the entente allies.
 Before Secretary Houstons plans be- came known the Senate, on the mo- tion of Senator Reed. adopted reso- | lution requesting the department of agriculture to prepare comprehensiv ve recommendations for conservation of the food supply of the ration. Late today the following statement was issued at the department of agri" culture relative to Secretary Houston S trip:
 "On Monday at 10 o'clock the sec retary will hold a conference in St Louis with the state commissioners and the representatives of land grant colleges to consider additional prob l lems in IF of the great cereal growing states from Ohio to Montana and from Wisconsin to Texas. Among the prob lems to be considered will be those of increasing the efficiency of produc- tion, of ways of improving distribu- | tion generally in urban commu- ! mites, and of the creation of the requl- site machinery.
 l The secretary contemplates holding | at an early date another conference
 1 in the st. The department recently
 I has assisted at a conference in New l south.
 | The department of agriculture has l been giving a great deal of atten- l tion to the matter of efficiency of pro- l duction and of distribution. It has not only issued many statements, but il has been using its various agencies ir | the work and has availed itself par
 l ticularly of the cooperative demon stration forces
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-07
ALL COUNTIES MUST LIMIT INDEBTEDNESS .IS COURTS DECISION

Montgomery. April .--(speciaL) )-coun- ties can become idebted only to the ex- tent of 31z per cent of the assessed val uation of property, which means that they musb limit their indebtedness to BE per cent of 60 per cent of the total valua- ton under decision of Judge Gaston Gunter of the Fifteenth judicial circuit. rendered in granting an injunction which prevented the board of revenue of Elmore county from borrowing $3000O from We- tumpka bank.
 The case was brought by T. L. Austin, probate clerk, in testing the contention. Elmore county is already indebted to the amount prescribed by law, provided the law means the assessed valuation instead of the full valuation. The board of rev enue contended that the full valuation was meant.
 Counties throughout the state are in- terested and many inquiries are being received about the case. An appeal has been taken in order that a final decision may be rendered by the supreme court and arguments will be made Tuesday.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-07

Universal liability to military serv- ice was the rock on which there promised to be a rupture between Congress and the administration. The system of drafting or conscription into the service, to be provided for in pending legislation, is of temporary character, and is not to obtain for period longer than the duration of war.
 Mir Dent and other members of the military committee made it plain this afternoon and will so inform Secre- tary Baker when he appears before them tomorrow that in their opinion volunteer organizations should be ac- cepted as fast as they present them selves. At present the administration is frowning upon the volunteer system. despite the fact that from every state of the union, Alabama included, prom inent men are daily offering to raise regiments. In the administrations army bill war strength of 1,225,000 men is contemplated. Provision will be made for the recruiting of the National Guard up to war strength, 425,000; for the recruiting of the regular army up to war strength, 100000; for the draft ing into the service of the govern ment 500.000 selection men between the age of IS and 40. It will also be pro- vided that in the discretion of the President another conscription of 500,- 900 men may be authorized.
 In connection with the prepar-
 ation of the army, MT. Dent stated
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-07
NATIONAL GUARD 0UARTERMASTERS ARE MUSTERED OUT

Montgomery, April 6,-(Special.) )-Under
 sweeping orders of the war department
 Friday. the entire personnel of the quar-
 termaster corps of the National Guard
 was mustered out of the federal service,
 retiring to private life Maj. George C.. Scherer, who has been camp quartermas- ter and paymaster of the National Guard, Alabama, for nine months; Capt. Bert C.. Moore, his assistant, and all other assist ants Major Scherer will be succeeded by Captain Carlton of the United States
 army, while Captain Vaughan, United
 States army, will act as his assistant. They will be supplied with three ser-
 geants of the regular army and two clerks to do the work which has been
 done by Major Scherer and Captain Moore
 ORDERS ARE SURPRISING News of the final decision of the war department which came to the mobiliza- ton camp Friday afternoon caused great surprise, as 1t had been thought the order would be amended so as to protect Major Scherer and Captain Moore. An effort already has been made to have
 them cared for in the organization of the volunteer army. They will be retired from the National Guard at once, Major Scher- CT returning to his old position in the United States engineering department in Montgomery and Captain Moore again becoming property clerk of the Alabama military department.
 Those who will be retired with Major Scherer and Captain Moore are Sergeants of the first class. Terry Mastin, Wylie B. Cav and w. E. Edwards. The war de- partment gives no reason for any action but it is thought it believed the work of the quartermaster could be handled by regular army officers better than by na- tional guardsmen. However, it was point ed out Friday that Major Scherer and Captain Moore had received special train ing for the work.
 | Major Scherer has been a figure in the National Guard for many years, having served in peace times as quartermaster and retaining the office when the troops were mobilized last year. Captain Moore came to Montgomery several years age as instructor for the National Guard and when his term of enlistment in the regu- lar army expired he remained in Mont gomery and accepted the position of prop erty clerk.
 CAVALRY TO BE EQUIPPED Announcement was made by Gen. R. E. Steiner Friday that the war department had approved requisition for about 1OOI horses and mules which will be used in
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-07
Rheumatism an Insidious Disease;
 Begins With Insignificant Pains

Don't overlook the first signs of rheumatism Prompt treatment is highly important but the right treat mentY is the only kind that will do you any good Have you ever known of rheumatism being cured by liniments or other external applications? Most certainly not. Do not, therefore, make the mistake that many have. but bear in mind that external remedies posi- lively cannot reach rheumatism. It cannot be rubbed out of the blood. 5. S. $. can be relied upon to cleanse the blood and has been giving relief from rheuma tism for more than 50 years. and sofa. of the most severe cases have ded to it. Write today and give fnformation about your case and Cur medical adviser will give you advice without cost. Address medical department Swift Specific Co.,. S2 Swift Laboratory, Atlanta. Ga.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-07

that the Secretary of War at
 present did not contemplate send
 ing forces to Europe. "The secre-
 tary, I am positive,. said MT.
 Dent, ''has no idea of sending
 American soldiers into the
 trenches of France. Of course,
 should the war endure for longer
 period than is contemplated.
 America will send it's quota to Eu-
 rope
 Tt Is my information that the first assignment of the military forces of the United States will be along the Mexican border and in the protection of forts, arsenals, intuition and ship building plants. Mexico, always a menace to the peace of this country is especially menace at the present time Recently German officers in large numbers gathered across the Rio Grande and while this government through secret service agents, has kept them under reasonable surveil- lance, it is realized that they could with comparative little effort, incite Mexican banditti to another anti American uprising.
 There is in the opinion of the mil itary committee no cause for unusual haste in enacting half-baked legisIa- tion. It is my opinion, especially as no army in the immediate future will be sent to Europe and Germany can- not send an army to America, that we can afford to make haste slowly.
 At the same time there is every reason to believe that the new 1egis- latlon will be enacted with Congress ana the administration In thorough ac- cord"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-07
COST HAS NOT INCREASED

In these days of increases in the price of everything, it is gratifying to note that the genuine Foley's Honey and Tar sells at the same price as in previous years. This reliable family medicine is considered as necessary as food or clothing by thousands of per- sons. When one estimates the great loss to the family income sickness can cause, it is almost impossible to com pute the true worth of this splendid household remedy. Foley's Honey and Tar quickly relieves coughs, colds, croup and whooping cough. Sold every where.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-07
Real Torture Bound to Follow If the First Warnings Are Not Heeded.

Any one afflicted with the bangs of rheumatism will tell you that the first pains were hardly noticeable. Slight at first. in fact too insignificant to be needed pains increasing very grad ually, the disease had them firmly in It's grasp before they realized that they were it's victim.
 Those who have been trying lini- ments and other external applications will find that they have not reached the cause of the trouble, and that their rheumatism Is back with them again. increasing in severity as the days go by.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-07

fully equipping the First cavalary regf- ment, and providing mounts for all other units which use them. The cavalry al ready has about 500 and with 573 called for by the requisition a horse will Dc provided for every man. In addition to the animals, the government has ordered to Montgomery the necessary ambulances, wagons and other equipment to complete the needs of the entire brigade. It is supposed the horses will come from the rernount station at Fort Royal, Va
 General Steiner has received no fur- ther orders for the movement of troops, although they are expected any moment. Under plans which have been worked out for the guarding of railroads, bridges and industries in Alabama, Montgomery will be the logical point for brigade head quarters and General Steiner desires to maintain it here, but he has stated that 1t will be placed wherever 1t may have better equipment in handling the brigade.
 Amid the preparations for war which have been carried on in Montgomery for several days, William Jennings Bryan Friday presented Governor Henderson with a paper weight which had been made from melted swords in commemora- tioi, of the signing of the 30 peace treaties which were negotiated while MT. Bryan was Secretary of State. The paper weight was presented to the governor by Horace Hood of Montgomery, close friend of MT Bryan. Each ambassador and mip- ister who participated in the negotiating of the treaties received the souvenir also.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-07
BESSEMER VISITED BY GERMAN AGENT Attempted to Get Negroes
 to Go to Mexico BOYS RETURN TO CAMP Home Guard Company Being Formed in Bessemer-Much Interest
 in Situation
BOYS RETURN TO CAMP

Bessemer, April 6.-(Special )-Much ex- cltement has been caused by the appear anee of a man selling Bibles at Sloss mines yesterday. He asked permission to talk to the employees of the company ill an effort to sell them Bibles. Little at tention was paid to the man until some one reported to the office that he was advising the negroes to leave the United States and go to Mexico as thS Germans were going to take this country.
 Superintendent Williams immediately went to where the man was said to have been speaking but he had become sus- picious and fled and all attempts to catch him were of no avail. The man is now believed to have been German attempt ing to raise a disturbance among the negroes According to the negroes to whom the man spoke he told them that the Germans had nothing against them and wanted to help them get out of this country to keep them from getting killed.
 All boys from Company D, Fourth in fantry, who are home on short leaves of absence have been recalled to Montgom- cry The recall of the local boys has ere ated much interest in Bessemer and nothing but the war situation is being talked on the streets today. Practically every business house in Bessemer as well as a large number of residences have "Old Glory" floating over their doors and nearly every citizen is wearing the na- tional colors.
 Plans were formulated last night for the organization of a nonofficial military company when about 20 young men met at the city hall for that purpose num- Der of men who have had military train ing in schools and in the militia have off, fered their services and efficient train ing is assured. EX-Lieut. Roy D. Ling of Company D, Fourth infantry, Alabama National Guard and John Haggerty, both yersed in military tactics, had charge of the drilling last night The next meet ing will be held Tuesday night and in the meantime a campaign for members will be made.
 John D. Martin chairman of the com mittee recently appointed by the Bes- semer Board of Trade to try to secure boulevard between Bessemer and Bir- mingham, will appear before the board of revenue in Birmingham in an effort to further the matter. The plan is to con- meet Bessemer and Birmingham with 6O-foot boulevard and MT. Martin had
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-07
snsnected Swede Is Held

Brownsville, Tex. April e.-Martin Bur- lap, who,, according to officers who ques- toned him when he attempted to cross the border into Mexico here today, de- clared that he had some principles whether you Americans have or not" is being detained for investigation. Burlap claims to be a subject of Sweden, and said he was looking for work as 8 ma chinist. His declaration was in reply to a question why he did not seek work in eastern intuition plants.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-07
PERSONALS

I. w. Jones of Athens. former resi- dent of this city. is the guest of his brother. Judge B. c. Jones, for a few days. Howard English has gone to Colum- bus, Ga. where he will spend several days.
 Sergt, J. F. Kicks. Sergt. Wilfred Niles, M. Satterfield, R. Dean and Guy Roy of Company D, Fourth infantry National Guard of Alabama, who were visiting relatives. have been recalled to join their company in Montgomery. They left this afternoon.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-07
HENDERSON SAYS STE|NER'S PLAN
 IS A GOOD ONE Governor Gives Full In- dorsement to Scheme to Train Civilians at
 Montgomery

Montgomery. April 8.-(Special.) The suggestion of Gen. R. E. Steiner. commander of the Alabama troops, that civilian training camp be held in Montgomery for the preliminary training of men of all ages who arc likely to be called to colors fin the war with Germany. brought the offi- cial indorsement of Governor Tender son today and the additional state ment of the executive that General Steiner should find support through out the state in the movement.
 It is proposed to use the services of federal army officers and officers of the National Guard who have volun- teered to train the civilians in prelim- mary work.
 Plans are being worked out for the training camp. It is proposed to urge all boys from IS to 25 to come to the camp for the training and to give them preliminary work. which they must do when they enter the volunteer army
 committee will be named during the next few days to explain the pro- posed camp and to submit the propo- sition to all who will be affected by the governments call for volunteers.
 GOVERNORS STATEMENT
 Governor Henderson said: ''The sug- gestion of General Steiner that the training officers at Camp vandiver would cooperate in the training of those who desired to fit themselves to be of service to their country in this crisis was a capital idea. Whatever means Congress may provide for the raising and training of an army, 1t takes months to equip them and mako them efficient. This country, having such small force. has not been pro- vided with the facilities for creating an army on short notice.
 Warfare is quite different from wha it was in the early history of our country There was time when what we called minute men were efficient, but now trench warfare is mostly re- lied upon. The perfection of the in-
 
 ciency of the individual in the army to play much greater part than for merly. The armies were supplied witt, every device to make them efficient in the destruction of life and prop erty.
 TRAINED MEN NEEDED "It takes a well trained man to han de these appliances ana while some will be. more adept by reason of thei. vacations possibly than others, they must be thoroughly seasoned and taught to care for themselves before the nation can risk them in actual warfare.
 Much time can be gained by the utilization of such camps as we have in Montgomery for the training of re- cruits
 There are quite a number of eff. cient federal officers who have beer training the National Guard but coulc now devote their time to the training of recruits or those who expect to b< in this great army which the natio- is preparing to equip. There is no i'm. mediate danger that would requir, such preparation and it may be tha we will not be called upon to do an, actual fighting on land, but we shouit prepare for the worst.
 "This great nation should have $ mighty army ready for any emergenc, during this crisis and I would look with favor upon any plan or move ment that will speed it's preparation
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-07
DENT THINKS NO
 ARMY WILL BE
 SENT TO EUROPE
Alabama Member Chairman of the House Military Committee
 Says This May Be Necessary LaterThere Is to Be No Permanent Universal Training Law Passed Now, i and All Enstments Will Be for War Only
By HUGH w. ROBERTS

Washington, April 6(Special The agreement reached this afternoon between President Wilson Secretary of War Baker Representative Dent chairman of the mee military affairs the effect that attempt in the present disorered would be made establish per military policy for the nation taken that administrations proposed army legislation will be promptly cted
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-07
GERMANS SPARE
 NOTHING M THE
 CAPTURED AREA
Sharp Visits Part of France Which Has Been in Hands of Kaiser's Armies and States Never in History of World, Has
 Destruction Been So Great Either By
 Victorious or Defeated Force

Washington April 6Never before in the history of the there been such thorough destruction wrought by either vanoushed victorious that which the Ger wrought northern France according report of 00 mile trip in that section by Ambassador Sharpe made public