davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-03
BALFOUR ID MAKE ADDRESS ID BOTH
 HOUSE AND SENATE
This Is Only Time in History of Country Such Invita- tiOn Given British
 Official

Washington, May 2.-Foreign Secretary Balfour, head of the British war cabinet s war mission. will appear before both houses of Congress Saturday, privilege never before accorded British official.
 In accepting today invitations of both the Senate and House to address them at any time that he might prefer, MT. Balfour suggested Saturday at 12:3O p. m. It is understood he will make brief speech in each house, though the chief object of his visit will be to pay cal. of courtesy, meet the members and to extend the greetings of the British Parlia- ment.
 MT Balfour spent most of the after noon with Secretary McAdoo and Sir Hartman Lever at the treasury depart ment, after devoting the morning to con- ferences at the missions headquarters.
 The trade discussions between British and American officials are said to have covered practically all the preliminary ground and to be waiting on additional information from England. Though the mission came to this country with mass of statistics and facts. the American of ficials have gone through all of that and have asked further questions which could be answered only by reference to Lon don.
 The South American trade situation has received almost no attention as yet for the British have regarded it as a question to be left largely to the United States because of this country's superior in- terests and better facilities for dealing sympathetically with that field.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-03
Country Must Realize
 That Disaster AUaits
 F U-B0dts Continue

Washington, May 2-The enormous in- German submarines within the last few weeks has brought to American govern ment officials full realization of the disaster that faces the United States and the allies if the undersea warfare is not checked.
 Governors and state representatives. here today for national defense con ference. will take home to their people a message from the government empha- sizing the menace to America and urg- ing that there must be the fullest CO., ordination by the states in war prepara- tion if Germany is to be defeated
 Secretary Lane told the conference that the great destruction of ships was threat ening the existence of Great Britain and France and menacing the United States. No one, he said knew the exact tonnage of ships lost recently, but estimates put last weeks submarine toll at 100000 tons. Later he explained that this estimate probably was too high.
 Secretary Lansing in statement, de- clared the seriousness of the submarine situation could not be exaggerated and that it was time the country awoke to the true facts. Reports to the state de- partment give a total of 80 vessels lost in one week, figures much higher than any contained in the recent British an-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-03

The British mission announced that the rate of destruction in recent weeks had continued unchanged and that it showed no alarming increases. All it's members agree the situation is critical however. and that the combined shipbuilding facil- ities of the world can meet the peril only if their output is increased trernen- dously.
 Announcing the governments pro gramme for exercising a more direct con- trol over the country's shipping and snip building facilities, Chairman Denman Of the shipping board said estimates had reached the board of 30o,oOo tons of ship ping sunk in one week The present worlds ship tonnage is estimated at less than 100000 tons
 bureau of navigation report pre- pared recently estimated the worlds ship construction in 1916 at slightly less than 2,O00o00 tons. If the Germans keep up their present rate of destruction officials paign threatens to sweep clean the seas.
 "The seriousness of the situation is ap- parent" said Chairman Denman today.
 When we consider the present produo- tivity of the worlds shipyards and their highest output likely within the next four months. the entire production will not exceed one-ffth of the monthly loss als the rate given by Secretary Lane. The boards figures do not reach that high a total. but they are sufficiently
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The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-03
Summary of The News
GENERAL NEWS

GENERAL NEWS 1-Walter FOgg tells of being trusty of Sheriff Batson. though under sentence of death. Fifty-nine ships of all sizes are sunk past week. Submarine menace Is becoming sc- rious Is admitted by govern ment officials. Country must come to full renlixn- tiOn of danger. Life loss on Vacuum is now re- duced to 23. United States ship Rockingham Is sunk by U-bOat and 13 are misn- ing.
 (;ompers tells of how efforts were made to have labor aid plans of German spy. 2-MObilixntion of iron and steel in- dustry for war Is now complete. 3-CensOrship section may he killed from bill.
 LOCAL NEWS 5-Ground Ia broken for construction of new postofffce. Recruiting brisk. but still need more men.
 Cattle raisers are amazed at ac- tton of board of revenue with reference to tick eradication. Food com mWfttees drafting men for campaign service. S-InvestikatiOn of pool rooms beinH z made by city Eovernment.
 FEATCUES 4-Editorial comment. 0-Soctety. 6-Sports.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-03

The captains meagre telegram gave the first definite news of the. loss of Lieutenant Thomas, U. s. N, and the death from exposure of F. H. Loree, but did not tell how the survivors reached land. Five gunners arrived safely with Captain Harris. They were James E. Williams, John Will Hams, George w. Parker, Q. H. Lucke and H. J. Musshorn. The others in the captains boat who were landed were E. Husted and o. Nelson, the boatswain.
 Captain Harris will arrange for the burial of Loree and then will proceed to join the survivors, who alraady have reached Liverpool. The Americans who were rescued appeared before the United States consul today and made affidavits.
 Eighteen survivors of the Vacuum ar rived here early today, They. were all in one hfeboat which. they saiA was the only one of the three launched to re- main anoat. One boat was awamped be- aide the Vacuum just as the ateausr. was disappearing. A few hours alter they
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-03

but spent only $7o0o, becoming discour- aged as to the success of his plans to arouse sentiment in favor of the German cause in this country after the sinking of the Lusitania.
 MT. Hammond said he gave up his work for Rintelen when he learned that he was doing all in his power to bring on war between the United States and Mexico. and that Rintelen heiieveo 1t was only matter of time before German diplomacy would embroil this country in war with Japan. Rintelen's purpose. he testified he was told, was to bring on strikes so as to break up the munition traffic, Rinteien described trouble in Mesico. which he expected Huerta, former dictator of Mexico. to stir up. as his trump card Hammond said.
 The witness declared he called these activities Of Rintelen to the attention of the government and then for sometime continued to meet Rintelen and to listen to his plans under the direction of off, ficers of the d1Pertment Of justice.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-03
No Agreement Is Yet Reached on Age Limit
 or SeIectiue Draft

Washington May 2-Dscussion between Senate and House army legislation centered today the $2S0000 GOO army appropriation bill and did get te army Chamberlain of the Senate committee Kahn House conferees hopeful tonight
 that the seecve draft might be agreed before night The conferees today considered ment appropriation bill which would permit payment of $100 month in addition to allowances to citizens ing who to commissions in the officers corps It probably will be accepted before the is returned to the two houses.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-03

frightened the burden of the captains boat by taking four of it's occupants, thus mak- ing the total number of men in each boat IS. The survivors saw it capsize on a huge wave about a quarter of a mile from them. The seas were too high to render assistance.
 Until the receipt of the captains tele- gram. stating that he. with some others had been rescued by a patrol boat. it had been believed by those arriving here that they were the only survivors.
 The men who have reached Liverpool, in relating their experiences, stated that their boat was nearly half full of water all the time and that all hands took turns bailing. A sail which was rigged up helped the oarsmen and they reached shore after 30 hours. having been adrift from 10 o'clock Sunday morning, when the Vacuum was torpedoed until late Monday. Fishermen's huts were thrown open to them and women provided food and warm clothing. On the next day they were taken away by trawler.
 Oscar Gailes, the first mate, who lives near Boston, told the Associated Press that the most striking fact in connection
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The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-03
59 SHIPS OF ALI
 SIZES ARE SUNK
 w PAST WEEK
Report of Damage Done by Submarines Officially Made Shows There Has Been No Decrease in Activity in Undersea Warfare Now Be
 ing Carried on by the Germans

London May 2-The British official of the number sunk week ending Sunday last shows that 8 vessels of over 1900 each sunk Those of than 6OO tons numbered 13 and eight fishing vessels to the bottom by submarines mines.
 The announcement says:
 Arrivals of all natonaltes 100 tons 2716 sailings, 269O
 British merchantmen sunk by submarines mines 1900 ton including three previously recorded 30 under 1900 tons, including not previously recorded 13.
 British vessels unsuccessfuy attacked including two not previously recorded, 24. 8
 British fishing vessels sunk including two previously recorded S."
 weeks showed that 40 of 1900 each the bottom by mines submarines
 Christiana Norway May 2(Via London n)-Seventy five Norwegian vessels sunk by German submarines in April and more than 100 sailors lost their lives If such monthly is maintained Norways merchant navy will be de- troyed in year and half
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-03


 The defendants are charged with fomenting strikes designed to as rupt the entente allies munitions trade in thiss country through the az tivities of Labor's National Peace council, of which Buchanan was first president.
 MT. Gompers testified that he advised Mir Buchanan that his plans were Tool hardy: that they were in conflict With tho ipterests of labor as represented by the American Federation of Labor and thAt he warned Buchanan against asso- citations with Herman Schulteis and Henry B. Martin. These men are de- fendants and were members of Labor's National Peace council.'
 Tho testimony as to Hintelen's actlvi- ties va. xiven by John 0. Hammond an a6yertisfns agent, who said that Rintelen enraked him to carry bn pro- German publicity campaign Rlhtelen proposed to spsnd S25,0n fer this purpose. he said.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-03
British Steamer T0rpedOed by a German Seaplane
 Is Report of Admiralty

London, May 1.-The admiralty an- nounces that the British steamer Gena was sunk May 1 by a torpedo discharged from a German seaplane off Aldeburg Suffolk, England). All hands on board the vessel were saved
 It is added by the admiralty that an- other seaplane which was concerned in the attack was brought down by the gunfire from the Gena and it's crew made prisoner.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-03
O. s. Ship Rockingham Sunk By q U-Boat and
 Thirteen Men Missing

London. May 2.--The American steamer Rockingham has been sunk by Ger man submarine. Thirteen men are miss ing
 Two boats containing 8 men were picked up yesterday, one by patrol yes sel. One boat containing IS men is miss ing.
 New York. May 2.-The Rockingham carried 4s men. including many Ameri- cans. The crew numbered S6 and the naval contingent consisted of a lieuten- ant and 12 men. The ship and her cargo were worth $s,250,ooO The vessel was due in Liverpool today.
 When under the name Nebraskan. the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-03

Rockingham was torpedoed off the Brit ish coast less than one month after the Lusitana was sunk The Nebra skar. damaged, headed for Liverpool. and, con voyed by British ships. reached port safely. No one on board was seriously hurt. s She was owned by the Garland Steamship corporation.
 Baltimore, May 2-The Rockingham sailed from Baltimore April II, Among list were Louis NJ. Beasley. water ten- der. Norfolk; J. W. Simpson. North Caro- lima, water tender and c. Carney. Nor folk. water tender.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-03
Life Loss on Vacuum IS Now Reduced 10 23;
 Captain Tells His Story

Liverpool May 2The safety of Captain Harris five gun nes and the third and boatswan of the American steamship all of whom had been given up made known by the captain himself in telegram received here today by the American consul H. h. Washington This tee gram reduces the loss of life 3 about B of this number being Americans It eight the number of gunners saved It also places the loss from the IS and the at 68.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-03

ment officials explained the new army bill and said the success of the war army rested with the states and depended on their cooperation.
 At a later meeting Secretary of Labor Wilson and agriculture department offi- cials discussed food problems and labor needs and their relation to military suc- cess.
 Secretary Lane advised the governors to let their people know the government is preparing for a long war and that every
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-03
Gompers Tells HoW Effort
 Was Made 10 Hdue Labor
 Aid Plans of German Spy

New York, May Plans of Capt Franz Rlnelen of the German navy to embrdl this country in with Mexico anan and the intellectual efforts of former Representative Frank Buchanan to ens the support o Samuel domper dnt of the American Federation of Labor in project pre- vent the manufacture transportation of munitions in this
 were broughtout in the conspiracy trial of these
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-03
WAL TER FOGG| TELLS OF BEING BATSON TRUSTY|
Witness in Impeachment Trial Says He Was Given Run of Jail Throughout Time He Was Under Death Sentence-Letter Presented Which
 Is Claimed to Be Forgery by Sheriff

Montgomery May Especial )Before court recessed to-
 night rested it's and the defense will begin the examination 930 o'clock Thursday morning One first will be that Sheriff tson did not sgn Walter Fogg letter of recommendation which said he while under death sentence months trusty at the jail only important evidence offered by the state late Wednes day showed by vouchers that the board of revenue had paid $8O month Sheriff Batson for anitor service at the jail and the money had gone to wardens at the jail
 Montgomery, May Special )-Walter Fogg negro who spent more than the Jefferson county jail under death for highway robbery and whose sentence was committed to imprisonment by Governor Henderson Jan uary created sensation the hearing of the impeachment against Sheriff J. Batson of Jefferson county Wednes day afternoon declared that he rusty during IS months of the time he under death sentence
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-03

of incompetency, willful neglect of duty and corruption in office, which is charged by the state.
 DEFENDS SHERIFF
 wiggins frequently during his testimony defended Sheriff Batson, saying that he had made a good officer, that he had been given credit for much of the work of law enforcement in Jefferson county and had given instructions to him that all locks at the prison were to be kept locked and all prisoners were to be kept in their proper places. Wiggins said he was not on duty regularly as night war den he relieving Warden Franklin and being on duty the night of the escape. X W. B. Orr, former day warden at the jail, and Wade Allen, white prisoner, who is serving an eight months sentence in the Jefferson county Jail for manslaugh- ter. also gave important testimony against Sheriff Batson, but the effect of much told by Orr was lost by contradictions of R. M. Warren, whom he succeeded as day warden, and Aliens story became so tangled and so contradictory of his story before the Jefferson county grand jury that it had little weight when it had been concluded
 When the morning session ended the greatest damage to the sheriff had been done by Wiggins, but through all of the testimony there was a tendency to de- fend the sheriff wherever possible, the defense being forced from the witnesses by the cross-examination of Borden Burr, attorney for Sheriff Batson
 SECOND SENSATION
 Next to wiggins' story of his warning to Sheriff Batson. the second sensation was caused by the admission of Lem Lavender, former inside warden, that the system of feeding prisoners in the jail was such that they often went from O'Clock in the afternoon to 7:3O in the morning without food. Prisoners are given only two meals a day, according to his statement
 Lavender said the first meal is served about 7:30 O clock and the second is start ed at l o'clock. Breakfast consists of four biscuits, grits, white or bulk meat, syrup and coffee. The other meal con- sists of meat peas, cornbread and two biscuits. On Sundays the prisoners are given beef and rice and often during the week another vegetable takes the place of peas
 ' Lavender's testimony about the food was brought out by questions of justices of the court who seemed particularly anxious to know whether or not prisoners were given sufficient food. The charge of corruption in office added to the articles of impeachment by the state was made in order that testimony might be offered to show that Sheriff Batson made a huge profit on the feeding of pris- oners The supreme court ruled at the beginning of the trial that the mere fact that he made profit did not indi-
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The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-03
DANGERS TO COUNTRY PICTURED

resource of the country must be developed to its utmost if the United States hopes to win. Germany, he declared, is putting up the greatest fight of history and, fight ing on the defensive, will be hard to de- feat.
 Secretary Daniels asked the aid of the states in recruiting the naval personnel to 150oo0 after the new naval bill Is passed.
 Plans for the new army were outlined by Secretary Baker. No forecast. he said, is possible concerning the length of the war, and prudence directs the country to enter on it as if it would be long.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-03

Fogg's statement was corroporateo by the abduction of a letter purport- ing to be signed by Sheriff Batson Saying that he had been a trusy for IS months and commenting Fogg to the goodness of any wardens or other persons with whom he might come in contact.
 Sheriff Batson immediately declared the letter to be forgery and Attorney Borden Burr announced that the defense at the proper time would offer testimony showing that the signature was not that or Sheriff Batson and that the sheriff knew nothing of such recommendation. Fogg said the recommendation was given to him by Warden Orr when he was leaving the jail to begin his life sentence
 COPY OF LETTER
 The wording of the letter follows:
 Birmingham, Ala, January 1S, 1s17
 "ro the Warden, Guard or Other oni- cer: This is to certify that Walter Fogg has been under sentence of death Tor more than IS months and during this time has heen used as a trusty at the county jail of this county; that he has been an exemplary prisoner, conducting himself properly at all times. He is reliable, de- pendable and can safely be, used in any position of trust which he may be quali- fled to hold. Very truly yours,
 TT. J. BATSON."
 NOT BATSON'S SIGNATURE
 The signature was in smooth hand which seemed to be that of a young per- son. Attorney Burr stated that 100 or more persons in the courtroom at the time the state offered the letter would testify that 1t was not signed by Sheriff Batson
 Fogg said A B Batson, the sheriff's brother. Wade Allen and Prisoner Cole were present when Warden Orr gave the letter to him.
 Sheriff Batson did not oppose the use of another recommendation later, saying it had been signed by himself. The lat ter one was for short-term prisoner.
 SAYS BATSON WARNED
 Steve Wiggins. former special night warden of the Jefferson county jail, swore that he told Sheriff Thomas J. Batson the Saturday before David D. Overton and other prisoners escaped Tuesday morning, March 20, that he feared something ir- regular was being planned because of the general restlessness and nervousness of Overton and the fact that he had asked several times when Warden Franklin, the regular night warden, would return to his duties
 Wiggins declared that Sheriff Batson immediately informed him that he would make an investigation and that he left him, going in the direction of the jail. It was the most important bit of testimony which came out at the morning session of the second days hearing of the case, which will determine whether or not
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-03
Submarine Menace Ls Becoming Serious High Officials Admit
Secretary Lane Tells Conference of Governors Plainly Situation Is Alarming Not Only to England and France, But the United
 States as Well-Long War Predicted

Washington May 2.The federal government today took into it's confidence and other state representatives here for national defense conference and outlined the prob lems the nation faces n making Germany, Cabinet heads explained the situation and asked aid in putting into effect the governments
 At second conference the council of national defense will present definite programme to the states for coordnatng their work in carrying out military and homie plans
 President Wilson received the delegates today the White House and urged that the draw all energies together into common action.
 DANGERS TO COUNTRY PICTURED The
  country
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-03

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