davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Iditarod pioneer., 1917-02-17
CONGRESS WILL DISCUSS
 SUBMARINE WAR PROBLEM

WASHINGTON, Feb. l3.-A bill directed against the ruthless submarine warfare, and proposing to open the ports, harbors and waters of the United States in time of war to warships or other vessels of belligerents against whom such warfare IS being waged, was introduced today by Senator Salisbury. At his request it was referred to the committee on foreign relations, of which he IS a member
 Against Arming of Merchant Ships
 WASHINGTON Feb l2.-Senator LaFolette of- fered joint resolution today to make unlawful the armng of American merchant ships while the United States is not at war He asked that the resolution lav on the table, to be called up later for further con- slderaton.
 Congress Will Adjourn March 5
 WASHINGTON, Feb. l6.-Congressman Caud Kitchn, Democratic floor leader. predicts that con- gress will adjourn March 5 He said: We will finish all appropriation bills and any other necessary measures, including the Webb bill. If there is war the President does not want us here.
 Drastic Dry" Provision
 WASHINGTON, Feb. l6-Ihe postofice appro- priation bill, carrying $33O,0OO,00O passed the sen ate today It carries an amendment adopted yes- terday which provides that it shall be crime tor persons in dry states to order purchase to be transported any intoxicating liquors into such states.
 Alaska Oil and Gas Lands
 WASHINGTON, Feb. 13-A bill authorizing homestead entries on public lands in Alaska contain ing oil or gas, with limited patent to entrymen, re- serving coil, oil or gas found thereon to the United States was passed by the senate last night.
 To lmpeach Federal Reserve Board
 WASHINGTON. Feb. l2.--Artices of impeach- ment, charging Commissioners Harding, War burg, Delano, Miller and Hamln of the federal re- serve board with administering the federal reserve act with intent to coordinate big business and spec uation, were made before the house of representa- lives today by Congressman Lndburgh (Repub- lican) of Minnesota They were referred to the ju- dietary committee.
 Universal Military Training
 WASHINGTON, Feb l0--Ihe universal military training bill was favorably reported to the senate to- day by the military affairs committee.
 Wilson Elected President
 WASHINGTON Feb. l4.-The electoral votes for President and Vice President were counted today n the presence of both houses of congress Wilson received 277 and Hughes 254
Iditarod pioneer., 1917-02-17
BRAND WHlTL LoCK HELD AS GERMAN PRISONER

WASHINGTON Feb l5-Ohcial word has been received here that Brand Whitlock, United States minister to Belgium, has been ordered by the Ger man authorities to lower the American flag over the embassy at Brussels. Grave concern is felt over the reports that Whitlock and all the American members of the Belgian relief committee being held prison CTS at Brussels Inquiries as to the truth of the re- port have been addressed to Berlin through the Swiss minister here and the Spanish ambassador in Berlin
 Later the state department was officially advised that Whtock was not ordered to lower the flag, but was requested to do SO.
Iditarod pioneer., 1917-02-17
The Returning Ambassadors

WASHINGTON, Feb lO-United States Ambassador Gerard will leave Berlin this evening for Zurich Switzerland with hls entire staff and fifty American citizens according dispatch received today the Swiss legation.
 PARIS Feb 15.-Amercan flags displayed in this city in the arrival of Ambassador Gerard He will sail for home on a Spanish vessel from Barcelona, via Cuba
 NEW YORK; Feb. 14.-Count Won Bernstorf the German ambassador accompanied by hundred men, rived here this morning He will sail late this afternoon board the steamship Frederick VIII.
Iditarod pioneer., 1917-02-17
Alaska Oil and Gas Lands

WASHINGTON, Feb. 13.-A bill authorizing homestead entries on public lands iii Alaska contain ing oil or gas, with limited patent to entymen, re- serving coil, oil or gas found thereon to the Unltec States, was passed by the senate last night
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-13
HARVARD CONFERS !. DEGREE OF DOCTOR
 ON HERO OF MARINE
Field Marshal Joffre Paid Every Homage by the People of New
 England

Boston, May 12.-New England paid homage to the hero of the Marne today. From the moment Marshal Joffre stepped from his train at the south station, on his arrival from New York this morning until he left for Canada tonight he was applauded continuously
 The crowds massed along the streets, needless of the frequent showers, ac- corded him one of the most enthusiastic greetings ever given a popular idol in this city, when he was escorted through the business section by a long line of troops.
 On historic Boston Common he received from little Mary Curley, daughter of the mayor, a parchment announcing that through the marshal the school children of Massachusetts and the citizens of Bos- ton and New England desired to present sum for the care of the children whose fathers have died for France This sum tonight had reached a total of $175,000 with contributions still pouring in.
 At Harvard university General Joffre was invested by President Lowell with the honorary degree of doctor of laws. In conferring the degree President Low ell said:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-13
TAX COLLECTORS
 BONDS ARE FIXED
 BY STATE AUDITOR

Montgomery, May 12-(Special.) al.)-Before the tax collector of Jefferson county can take his office october 1, he must furnish the state with a bond for $250,O00 under a ruling of M. c. Allgood, state auditor, who has completed the setting of the bonds of all tax collectors who will take office in October The bond of the Jeff ferson collector will remain at the same figure, while many of the bonds will be reduced because of the statute requiring collectors to make remittances every two weeks. The bond must be for two times the amount which the collector holds at any one time and as remittances will be made every 15 days instead of 30 no col lector will have as much money on hand.
 The state is discouraging the making of personal bonds by tax collectors and is insisting that all persons furnish bonds signed by bonding companies. This is due to the fact that bonding companies pay all losses promptly and proceed against the officials who have been derelict in their duties while personal bondsmen often go into the courts to prevent the payment of the amount of the bond.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-13
CRIMINAL COURT

c. F. Martin, who pleaded guilty to several charges of horse stealing, was sentenced to 15 years in the peniten- tiary yesterday by Judge w. F. For5. While there were number of charges he only pleaded guilty to two and was given five years in one in stance and 10 years in the other.
 The following were among the i'm dictments returned by the grand jury.
 Lawton Powell murder of Kid Easy; Lewis Russell, murder of Will Holmes, Addie Lee Taylor, murder of Lottis Bassett Jim Brown. murder of Charlie Townsend; Mary Williams, murder of
 Willie Ramsey.
 For manuslaughter were indicted: Neil Harris, first degree; William Santemeyer, first degree.
 Other true bills were returned against: William Walthall criminal assault; Willie Turner. vagrancy; A. D. Enimer'son, bur glary and grand larceny; Joe Whitfield, burglary; Fred Woods, petty larceny; Joe Jesse Thomas, grand larceny; Thomas Nealey, burglary and grand larceny: Ed n,und Parrish. assault with intent to mur- der; Frank Owens, burglary and grand larceny; Foster Lee, theft of Ford; Mabel Livingston, grand larceny; Sam Harris burglary and grand larceny; Richard Green, petty larceny and concealins stolen property.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-13

taken step that will do more than any amount of talking to encourage farmers to increase their acreage of food crops. The bankers of that city, in meeting
 held May ,, authorized the publication in local papers of the following proposi-
 tion to the farmers: That the bankers
 would advance two-thirds of the market
 value of corn, velvet beans, peanuts, peas
 and hay when delivered in merchantable
 condition in Union Springs and stored in
 warehouses. This was followed by an other essential step. The local ware
 housemen were called together and
 agreed to open their warehouses to such products when put into merchantable shape, and to make the charges on them reasonable. The details as to warehouse
 charges are yet to be worked out.
 This action is commended to the bus1- ness men of those towns and cities which are locking for means by which they may further assist the farmers in the in creased production of staple, nonperish-
 able food crops.
 The extension service of Auburn will be glad to send without expense some mem
 Der of it's staff to assist any cc;nmu-
 nity desiring to adopt this or any other
 promising plan for increasing the produc- tion of food crops. In such trips, all
 expenses are borne by the extension serv- ice.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-13
VIVIAN LIN CANADA

Ottawa. May 12.-Canada in officially welcoming Rene Viviani, minister of jus tice of France and head of the French war mission to America today extended to him the unprecedented honor of ad- dressing its Parliament. Later, by a cheering vote of the members, it was ordered that his speech, 50 full of heart and fire,' be preserved in the dominion s records.
 If there were smaller crowds to greet the distinguished Frenchman and his party here than in New York and other large cities of the United States, Can ada's reception was no less sincere. Mem- bers of both houses of Parliament many of whom have sons at the front, cheered enthusiastically and joined in singing the "Marseillaise'' and God Save the King"
 M. Viviani, who paid higb tribute to the Canadian soldiers who have ''consecrated their lives to the cause of liberty and humanity" along with the French and their other allies, was himself compli- mented by Sir George Foster, acting prime minister, for loyal spirit that beats true to humanty's highest aspira- tiOnS"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-13
STORY OF BATTLE
From Staff Correspondent of tn Associated Press

Associated Press With the British Armies in France, May 12.-(Via London.)-In a series of attacks last night and today the British troops captured several strong German positions, including one or two which have been sources of more or less trouble since the battle of Arras began. The famous chemical works, north of the cil- lage of Rouex has at last been definitely taken possession of as well as the Roeux chateau and cemetery.
 The cemetery has been a very bitter spot, the Germans having fortified the graves into defensive positions and turned the underground vaults into strongholds Southeast of Monchy the British cap tured several pits and detached German
 trenches, as well as Cavalry farm. Southeast of Cojeul river in the neigh borhood of Bullecourt the British ma terially extended their holdings in the Hindenburg line, and tonight Bellecourt , is surrounded by the British lines, which include the Australians. It is believed that the number of prisoners in these ac- tions will total more than 500. About 40
 men were taken near the chemical works most of them Brandenburgers and Der. liners.
 1 It was variegated assortment, this lot lncludlnS some StalWart boys, who 1 looked splendid soldiers. while others were little bearded fellows, who ap- l peared to come from classes heretofore | rejected as unfit. All seemed quite de | liant. There were many Bavarians in l the fighting also, but they mostly l fought to the death.
 1 Near Cavalry farm the British ano ; Germans fought in the same trench | After the British had swept into tie trench the Germans poured in from
 the northeast and attempted to boml their way along, but the Britisl, blocked them and held all their gains
 The fighting north of Roeux began last night about dusk just as a score
 of British airplanes were returning 1 from their days work behind the Ger | man lines. The pilots, seeing the bat ! tie in progress, joined in as they l passed over and bored streams of ma chine gun bullets into the German | ranks. They were cheered by the in
 fantry and acknowledged the salute | by looping and firing rockets As their
 ammunition was gone, they started for i home.
 The heat today was intense. The ar 1 tillery men serving the guns were stripped to the waist during the bal 1 rage fire. The dust along the roads l was choking.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-13
Hefzin Plans "Unsinkable"
 Ship With Cotton Lining to
 Combat Submarine Menace
By HUGH w. ROBERTS

Washington. May 12.-(special) Representative Heflin of Alabama in- formed Secretary Daniels today that by a very simple device American merchant ships could be operated de- spite German submarines. He said:
 We can build a merchant ship that will go safely through the war zone in spite of submarines. This can be done by building at the water line strong, thick water tight floor. Be low this line in the body of the ship line the sides and bottom with bales of cotton. Fit them in side by side and end to end as you would lay brick for paving purposes. Then have a net work of steel chains over and around these layers of cotton bales. Then pack bales in from side to side and make them stationery. Above the water line and on the water tight floor carry foodstuffs.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-13

of the torpedoes strike this ship and tear a hole in the side and lets the water in. the ship will not sink, for cotton is. like cork, it will float forever With the belly of the ship filled with cotton and the water tight floor 20 feet above it, it would be i'm possible to sink the ship until it is torn to pieces. the cotton released and the water tight floor destroyed.
 "This ship could and would reach it's destination. although it might have several holes in it's side and bottom. As long as the propeller works tlis ship will keep moving and even if the propeller stops, the ship will not sink. I would equip this ship with engine and propeller and also with sails, so that if water should reach the e'i- gineroom and stop the engine, the sails could be used. The gunners on these ships could destroy the submarine, for after firing upon and striking a ship the submarine comes up to rob the ship.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-13
IN NATIONAL CRISIS OSCAR UNDERWOOD
 WILLING TO FORSAKE
 LOW TARIFF VIEWS
Continued from Page One)

natory and ruinous taxation may be avoided to the end that business might be continued in state as near normal as possible.
 He also intimated that in his opinion a reckless horizontal increase of 10 per cent in all existing duties may bear op- pressively on certain businesses while others would not be seriously effected.
 Throughout the country there is an organized opposition to the Kitchin tar if bill. The hotels of Washington are crowded with business men of all va rieties prepared to fight its provisions to the last ditch. Opposition from Alabama is apparently bitter and we'll entrenched.
 The argument of all business men, in cluding newspaper editors, is that the bill Is discriminatory and confiscatory, and will result in the killing of the goose which laid the golden egg.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-13
British Take Bullecourt in Terrific Drive and Great
 Battle Continues to Rage
tcontinued from Page One,

both Russian and Turkish forces have been on the offensive with alternate ad- vance and retreat, the result of which seems to have left the situation there unchanged.
 In Macedonia the Servian troops have captured and held against counter at tacks several trenches on Dobropolye heights, east of the Cerna river.
 Signs of renewed activity on the part of the British army invading Palestine are evident. The Turkish positions near Gaza have been bombarded. The German admiralty asserts that a. British destroyer was sunk in a naval engagement between the Dutch and Eng hsh coasts on Thursday
 zeebrugge, on the Belgian coast, was heavily bombarded by warshps early Sat urday morning.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-13
REPORT DENIED

Petrograd, Friday, May 11.-(Via London. May .)-Exaggerated stories of anarchistic conditions at Schlus- selburg. 21 miles east of Petrograd, including the report that the district committee had broken away from the temporary government and declared Schlusselburg an autonomous commu- nity, are denied by the chairman of the executive committee of the district committee, M. Couznetsov. In let ter to the Petrograd press the chaii : man states that most of the rumors about disorders in Schlusselburg are purely fanciful
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-13
WRITING MATERIAL
 FREE TO SOLDIERS

Zac Smith & Co, the stationers, are announcing in another column a free of fer of writing materials to the soldiers (Alabama troops) stationed in Birming- ham, who visit their store in uniform.
 This liberal offer is made simply to voice the sentiments of the concern, who fully appreciate the patriotism the part of the young men of the city and state who have volunteered their services in behalf of the flag.
 When seen MT. zac Smith. senior mem Der of the firm, touchingly suggested that one of his own sons was among the troops now in camp and he was only sorry that he did not have more eligible to join the ranks of those who should be shown every courtesy before active duty calls them probably in foreign lands.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-13
PREDICTS BITTER PROTESTS

'The board would call attention also to the fact that for some years pa st
 actual payees of checks drawn upon country banks have been able in many cases to collect them without exchange charges. which have been absorbed by their depository banks, which have in turn been reimbursed by balances kept with them by the country bank s. Immediately upon the passage of Sem ate bill No s. or no later in any event than November IT next, no bank balances will count as reserve except those with federal reserve banks, so that facilities for free collection will no longer be afforded my member banks and the result would be that many individuals. firms and corpora tions would be paying exchange Charges of one-tenth of one per cent
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-13

army.
 If the guard is expanded, plan for Is infantry and two cavalry divisions has been prepared. A table forwarded to the states shows the tentative scheme of organization, the designa- tions beginning with the fifth division, as the first four divisions would be composed of regular troops. Follow ing is the proposed distribution of the 16 infantry divisions by states with the peace strength quota for each state.
 PROPOSED DISTRIBUTION
 Fifth division: Maine 42OO. New Hamp- sire S2oo, Massachusetts F, 6O0, Connecticut i909. Rhode Island 3500 Vermont 3200.
 Sixth division: New York S1,5OO.
 Seventh division: Pennsylvania g, 400,
 Eighth division: New Jersty $500, Dela- ware 2400, Maryland 570o, District of Co., lumba 2465 Virginia 960O.
 Ninth division: North Carolin 91500, South Carolina 67O0, Tennessee 96OO.
 Tenth division: Alabama 96OO Georgia II 200, Florida AGO
 Eleventh division: Michigan 1000, Wis eonsin 10,400.
 Twelfth division: Illinois 20000,
 Thirteenth division: Minnesota S4O0 North Dakota 4O00, South Dakota 4Ooo, Iowa 10, AGO tone regiment of field artil- lery and two regiments of. infantry from this division would be assigned to fill out the twentieth divsioD.
 Fourteenth division Kansas 5000 Mis- souri 141O0.
 Fifteenth division; Texas 15,50O, Okla homa 5000 COne regiment of infantry from the Texas contingent would be de- tached to the nineteenth division.
 Sixteenth division: Ohio 16,S00, West Virginia 6400.
 Seventeenth division: Kentucky 10,400 Indiana 12,000.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-13
FOUR PAROLES ISSUED

Four paroles were ordered issued by Governor Henderson Saturday before he left for Speigner where he spent the day fishing. The governor announced that the paroles were conditioned on the future good conduct of the convicts and the observance of all laws in the future.
 Those released are Clifton Trawick of Calhoun, convicted of grand larceny and sentenced to 15 months; Matte Robson of Bullock, given two years for bigamy; Ed Gilchrist of Lowndes sentenced to one year and one day for grand larceny. and Will Evans of Calhoun, convicted or grand larceny and given 15 months
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-13

upon checks which they have hitherto been able to Scollect at par.
 The enactment of the proposed amendment, in the opinion of the board, would, because of the injury it would work to holders of bank checks, create a strong protest all over the country, which would be far stronger than the pressure that is now being brought to bear for its enact ment.
 "In this connection I inclose for your information copy of resolution that was adopted at a meeting of the gov- ernors of federal reserve banks which was held here last week. Very truly yours, w. F. G. HARDING,
 Governor"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-13
AS TO COALITION

Petrograd. May 12-(Vla London.) The executive committee Of the cotn cil of workmen's and soldiers dele gates has decided by vote of 23 to P not to participate in the forma- tion of coalition government The question will be referred to a ple- nary meeting of the council.
 It is understood that ministries or munitions, labor and relief Will De created in the coalition government
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-13
National Guards Part
 h Army Scheme Is StiU
 Matter Of Speculation

Washington May 12The exact place the National Guard is to fill in the national army still is matter of speculation in the war department.
 Under the that tue states may raise additional units up total National Guard force, including naval militia of 800 for each representative senator it not possible yet to forecast accurately the strength of the organization when it is drafted into the United States
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-13
HEALTH SURVEY PLANNED

Plans are being made by Dr. $. w. Welch, state health officer, for the mak- ing of health surveys of DeKalb, Etowah and Talladega counties similar to the survey of Walker county, which was made by the federal government two or three years ago. Dr. Welch Saturday stated that the surveys probably will not be as complete as the one in Walker county as not so much money will be available, but that they will be as com plete as possible.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-13
To Remain Neutral

Stockholm. May 12-(Via London An official announcement in regard to the result of a three days confer ence by Swedish, Danish and Norwe : gian ministers, says that the con ferees determined unanimously that the three countries should maintain a policy of impartial neutrality.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-13
THE WEATHER
Weather Forecast

Washington, May 12.-Forecast for Ala bama and Mississippi: Generally fair Sunday and Monday.
 Georgia: Fair Sunday and Monday, lit- tie change in temperature.
 TennesSee: Fair Sunday and Monday little change in temperature.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-05-13
RAINEY DEFENDS
Secret Message From American Government
 Quieted the Russians

gineers who will organize the Siberian railway system and help us in other technical branches"