davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-07
Supposed Head of Proposed Organization Returns to
 Old Chamber
SHELBY ASKS WHAT
 CHAMBER HAS DONE
Charges That Its Actions Have Caused Distrust on Part of the PeopIe-Speculation as
 to Final Result

Another Moses will have to be found to lead the agitators for new civic organization out of the dark.
 pr. James H. Finder, who has been the only man mentioned for the place, who resigned from the presidency of the Board of Trade for the supposed purpose of heading the new organi- zation and who has been approached by numerous friends to take the lead, has surrendered and returned to the old camping ground.
 Following a solid week of agitation in which the Chamber of Commerce has been criticized as a corporation institution and the cry for an inde- pendent body has been heard through out every part of Greater Birming ham, and during which time petitions for a new body have been circulated and freely signed. the agitators now find themselves without a leader and it is questioned whether any other man will come forward to head the move ment
 The formal statement issued by Dr. Hinder last night and in which he
 
 the movement follows:
 DR. FINDERS STATEMENT
 Tt has developed during the past few days that the proposed withdrawal of the Birmingham Board of Trade from the Chamber of Commerce was not properly understood by several of the members and such action does not meet with their approval And it further appears that some who had expressed the opinion that better work could be accomplished through separate organization are not now of that belief It is further clear that the original purpose of more construc- tive service has been largely thwart- ed by undue agitation.
 T. therefore, desire to withdraw from all active connection with the efforts of my friends in the direction of forming a new organization and to respectfully request that, in the inter est of perfect harmony. they will de- vote their energies in a spirit of true patriotism toward the upbuilding of the institution we now have.
 T wish further to express my deep- est gratitude to those who have shown desire to cooperate with me in what had hoped would result in great constructive movement for the CO., ordination of Birmingham's unhar- messed forces.
 T will also state it is my convic- ton that if those who feel as I do will put their shoulders to the wheel and respond to any civic call when possible to do so, the path of progress during the year We are just entering upon will be made smooth for all.
 JAMES Fl FINDER" WHAT HAS CHAMBER DONE?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-07
WOULD QUESTION WILSON

'It seems to me that the right way to go about the matter is 10 find out from the President who he talked this peace note over with, and then summon them and find out whether there was any way in which that might inadvertently have let the cat out of the bag. Next I should get list of those employees of the White House and the state department and our embassies abroad who handled this par ticular peace note.
 Have you any evidence that would con- meet any one at the White House with the ieak?'' asked Chairman Henry. None wha tever," said MT. Gardner T have nothing but anonymous statements and letters which are worth nothing as evidence"
 Have you any evidence that would con- meet any one at the state department?" ?" No; nor any one else,' replied Gard ner. T have no evidence that I consider worth the paper it's written on." Have you heard Representative Gar than Bernard Baruch, being reported to have profted by this so-called leak?'
 'No,' MT. Gardner replied But I have seen an initiated statement saying that he and four otherssare supposed to have profited.'
 Representative Gardner said he ab- solved Secretary Lansing and Secretary Humility of all suspicion.
 ABOVE SUSPICION
 II believe the President the Secretary of State and MT. Tuinuity are above sus- picion. he said.
 Representative Campbell, republican, said there was no disposition on the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-07
SECRETARY LANSING
 AND HUMILITY WILL
 MAKE STATEMENTS IN
 NEWS LEAK" PROBE
(Continued from Page Onel

NOOHtIhueu ITOIh FhEe Unel of their brokerage slips from December 10 to 23.
 WOOD AGAIN ON STAND
 At the beginning of todays hearing Representative Wood of Indiana, author of the leak inquiry resolution, was re- called to the stand. Representative Har- rison, democrat, asked him why he had not satisfied himself as to the identity of "A. Curtis," who wrote him the let ter giving alleged informant tinn
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-07

"So the lawyers got about all of the estate. Did Edith get anything?
 "Oh, yes; she got one of the law yers"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-07

Spains unfavorable reply to the Presl- dents note saying the present moment is deemed inopportune for peace efforts, will be made public by the state de- partment. It was received here shortly after it's publication in Madrid. Officials say the text is substantially the same as that contained in cabled press reports.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-07
LEWIS CONSIDERED
 SUICIDE PREVIOUS
 ID GIRL s MURDER
BOyhOOd Friend Makes Pub lie Letter Received From Pittsburger Dec. IS in
 Proof of Theory

Pittsburg. January 6.-Friends of Ber- nard W. Lewis, the Pittsburg broker, who killed himself in Atlantic City as the po-
 lice were about to arrest him in connec- ton with the murder of Magic Colbert today learned that Lewis contemplated suicide on December IT, when he wrote to one of his closest friends here asking that they take care of Mrs. Lewis and the daughter, Betty.
 General Manager McFadyan of the Pittsburg Union Stock Yards. received the following letter December IS, last:
 Before you get this letter I will have paid for my mistakes. You were one real my last request of you. Please, so long as you live, see that no harm to come to Laura and Betty, and tell Betty about all the pitfalls ahead of her. so she may miss them. I'd do this for you if the tables were reversed, and I ask you in Gods name to look out for Laura and Betty. I am only wreck now, but they must have some peace and happiness. Laura is a wonderful woman, and I'm paying tonight for wrecking her life. For what we've been in the past Jim make the road for father and mother and Laura and Betty as easy as possible. This is my last request. (Signed)
 BERNARD"
 Mr. McFadyan and Lewis had been friends from boyhood, but until the let ter came on December IS MT. McFadyan had received no word from him since he left the city in November in search of employment MT McFadyan took no one into his confidence at that time, but made the letter public today in the belief that Lewis, desperate because his money was gone and unable to face further dis grace had taken his life as soon as he learned that he was to De arrested. purchased Alabama pig for the purpose of manufacturing it's armor plate.
 So earnestly did the Alabamians present their case that the committee declared its willingness to go and see for itself.
 Telegrams were dispatched tonight to Alabama cities giving information as to what the several committees must prove. For the first time it is becoming evident that Alabama, despite it's natural re- sources and it's innumerable advantages, will have to exert itself if West Virginia or the great lake region does not win the plant.
 Incidentally, 1t is learned today that Anniston has made a bid for the plant and invited the committee to visit that city It is understood that the committee will accept the invitation.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-07
WHAT HAS CHAMBER DONE?

Simultaneously with the withdrawal of pr. Finder from active connection with the rev movement. John F. Shelby, one of the promoters of the new organiza-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-07

tion, and who has served four different terms s president of the Board of Trade. issued statement in which he challenges those who are attempting to defend the policy of the Chamber of Commerce to show wherein that body has accomplished anything of vital importance during the past four years; and charging that the Chamber of Commerce has created dis trust and a lack of confidence among the masses to such an extent as to de- stroy its usefulness as a peoples orga n- ization; and that it is dominated by cer- tain well-known corporations, and partic- ularly some of the railroads.
 While no official announcement has been made to that effect. it is under stood that the withdrawal of Dr. Finder from active connection with the new movement is the result of work on the part of the Rotary club to bring about peace. Persons prominently interested in the movement for a new organization claim that members of the Rotary club who are "close personal friends of Dr. Finder" have used their influence to have him withdraw, hoping in this way to do away with the entire movement.
 IMPETUS TOO GREAT
 Despite the withdrawal of Dr. Finder those behind the movement feel conti- dent that the new organization will be formed, and at no distant date. They claim that the impetus which has been gwen the movement is too great to per init it to die.
 However officials of the Chamber of Commerce and others take the withdrawal of Dr. Finder to mean that the question has been settled, and that those who have been behind the movement will either drop out of civic work altogether or will continue their activities with the Chamber of Comm
 With the Board of Trade continuing in it's utilization with the Chamber of Com merce and the movement for new body, as they believe smothered, it is expected that the Chamber of Commerce will con- tinue it's work as the one main civic or ganization of the city.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-12
AND SIMS GET
UNRESERVED SUPPORT
Naval Order From Chief Here In
dicates Again Degree of Conf
denee Reposed in U. S. Officers.

Further indication of the unreserved
character of the support put behind
Gen. Pershing and Admiral Sims by
the government came today with the
publication of the following order is
sued by Rear Admiral MCGOWAN. chief
of the bureau of supplies and accounts
of the Navy. to his organizations:
"Requisitions; requests and recon-
mendations from Vice Admiral Sims,
senior naval officer in command dn
Europe. are to BE acted upon the same
day they are received and. unless there
be some insurmountable obstacle. in
exact agreement with his wishes. am
aware that. almost without exception,
the foregoing rule has been in effect
ever since Admiral Sims went abroad;
but the necessity for instant action and
unconditional support of everything
that he does or wants to do is SO obvi-
ously important that this order; is
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-12
TO RECOGNIZE AUSTRIANS
FOR LOYALTY TO ALLIES
Probably 5000, 900 Persons, Includ-
ing 100000 Men Of Draft
Age, Affected.

The specific exclusion of subjects of
Austria Hungary, distinguished for their
loyalty to the cause of the allies from
classification as alien enemies. was con-
sidersd yesterday by the House foreign
AFFAIRS committee, which heard Provost
Marshal General Crowder and other Of
ficials on Representative Sabath's joint
resolution for that purpose.
Some 100000 persons, including
100000 men of draft age. would be af-
fected They are Bohemians, Morayians,
Slovaks, Rumanians, Poles, Rutheriians.
Serbs, croatians and Italians. from terri
tory now oppressed by the dual mon
archy.
Many aliens of this classification now
are in the American Army. and thou
sands are essential to the conduct of
Industries requiring quantities of un-
skilled labor.
So much dificulty has been en-
countered by the Department of JUS
tice In making preliminary plans for
registration OF Austro-Hnngarian sub
5ects in this country under the Presi-
dents alien enemy proclamation. that it
Is now considered probable that regula-
lions will be issued first to apply only
to Germans. and the registration will be
made effective later for Austrian sub
jccts.
President Wilson may issue a procIa-
nation soon exempting certain pro-aIIy
groups Of austrian subjects from reGf9.
tration and other alien enemy restric-
tons. IS
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-12
SAYS u. s. is RETURNING
HER BIG DEBT TO ITALY

ROME, December 1.-Two hundred
thousand persons took part in a dem
onstration yesterday before the Amer
lean embassy. Among the speakers
was Representative Fiorello La Guardia
of New York, wearing his uniform as
captain of the American Flying Corps
Capt. La Guardia said Italy had
given to, America several generations
of workingmen. who had helped to
build up the prosperity of the United
States. That country was now return
ing the debt contracted, and was ready
to shed blood for the triumph of the
cause Of the allies. which was the
cause of civilization.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-12

issued to the end hat immediate and
favorable action may hereafter be in
variable"
Virtually all of Admiral Sims reauisi-
lions for supplies and equipment are
handled through this bureau.
Somewhat similar steps have been
taken in the War Department with re-
lations to recommendations from Gen.
Pershing. An officer of the general
staff has been detailed to check up
every day on the progress being made
by any bureau with the filing of any
order. The chief of staff is in imme-
date touch with the situation in that
respect. In addition a special commit l.
tee of the staff acts as priority board
to forward shipments in the proper
order. When there is any doubt, Gen.
Pershing Is asked to specify which
shall go first.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-12
DEPLORE S[OWNESS
|NUNL0AD|NG CARS
Speakers Before Retail Mer-
chants Association Tell of
Freight Embargoes Here.

Unless the government and private
business interests in Washington CO.
operate in unloading foodstuffs, clothing
and other necessaries from cars as they
arrive in the terminal yards here. Christ
mas buyers are going to be treated to a
sore disappointment, according to speak
ers at meeting Of the Retail Merchants
Association in the Board of Trade rooms
of The Star building last night. r. p.
Andrews, president of the association,
made an exhaustive report on the freight
situation and declared that unless the
government and private business are
prompt in removing goods on their arrival
here Washington will suffer seriously for
want of absolute necessities.
'rwashington is suffering from freight
embargo from nearly every point" de-
clared President Andrews Tracks are
full of loaded cars and it is absolutely
impossible that we should sit quietly by
and merely observe the situation. l know
of instances where some cars have stayed
on the tracks seventeen days after ar
rival.
There are facilities for the unloading OF
coo cars a day. and yet many a day mas
passed where there have been 2,ooo cars
on the tracks.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-12
ICE COVERS THE RIVER.

Ice varying IN thickness from one to
three inches covers the river from this
city To below Indian Head, and except
for the big steamers and tugs naviga-
ton on the river is closed While the
ice is not thick. 1t is hard and cuts the
wooden vessels so that they are unable
to move in it except with sheathed
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-12
Shaving Sets

Shaving Stand. with mir
ror, mug and brush: an eN-
cellent gift for any man that
shaves himself
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-12

Exchange on the American dollar has
fallen to four francs thirty confines
at Geneva, Switzerland.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-12

While they had noted the gradual wan
ing Of the temporal Ottoman power,
they had pinned their hope upon
miraculous return of their former re-
ngious supremacy.
Since Turkey entered into this war
they have seen Egypt, for a time the
seat OF the caliphate. pass completely
out OF their possession said DR.. Bar
ton. Then the revolt of Arabia and
the loss of their two most sacred cities.
Mecca and Medina. to the Sheriff of
Mecca, now the King of the Hejaz, de-
prfved the Sultan OF Turkey and the
OF being the keeper of the most holy
shrfnes OF Mohammedanism. The fall of
bagdad. with its glorious history of five
centuries OF brilliant Moslem rule and
the great caliphs. struck a staggering
blow at the dream of ultimate Moslem
SUPREMACY
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-12
Unable to Meet Demands.

The drayage companies in the Dlstrfc,
have proven inadequate to meet the neeus
of the situation, according to the speaker
A motion was passed to appoint COM
mittee of five merchants to keep the as
ISOLATION members thoroughly informed as
to freight carriage and the delivery situa-
ton in Washington.
Employees of merchants will receive wal
savings stamps for Christmas presents. II
recommendation contained in a resolu-
ton adopted by the association is earned
Merchants Association and member OF
the war savings stamp committee, urged
that merchants perform double service
by remembering their employees in this
manner.
Talks by Police Heads.
Talks on police service and pro-
lection of mercantile property were
Grant of the police department. A
tribute to the efficiency of the police
was paid by other speakers.
In offering resolution indorsing the
work of the joint committee on suf-
frage. of which the association is a
member NJ. A. Leese. vice president.
declared: I'VE are privileged to con-
tribute our money and our sons. but
are denied voice in the electorate" The
resolution of commentator was unani-
mously adopted
Increase of salaries of government
clerks was Endorsed in the following
resolution offered by Isaac Cans. and
adopted without a dissenting vote:
BE It resolved. That the Retail Mer-
chants Association not only urges the
fairness of the allowance of the In
creased percentage heretofore granted
by Congress to federal clerks up to
81 500, but that this association favors
larger proportion of increase in the
salaries. and that also the increase be
extended up to and including $2,4oo
for all those who were employed by
the government prior to January !.
1917"
The following were elected to mem
bership: Bartram electric garage, q.
D. Gilman. Louis Flemer, Inc, and the
Occidental Hotel
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-12
sz.ss and s3.1s

$500 webster's New SUI
preme Dictionary. Peoples
price, SI.50.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-12
bulls. Several river craft that w.r.

huiis. Several river craft that were
below Alexandria Monday succeeded In
getting into port yesterday, but those
that were in port made no effort to get
away and will lie here for a day or two
to await better weather conditions.
The ice is not heavy enough TO inter
fere with the steamers running out of
this city to Norfolk and river points
Rivermen, who have Arm belief in tho
saying that ice before Christmas means
open water after the new year, are
looking for a short freeze
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-12
Partisan Ivory
Toilet Articles

Separate pieces to select from IN
white. blue and pink-Nail Buffers.
Cuticle Knives, Files, Button Hooks,
Trays, Hair Receivers. Powder Boxes,
Tooth Powder Boxes and many other
pieces that would be appreciated.
Large assortment of Partisan Ivory
Combs and Brushes in white to select
from in all five of our stores.
Mems Combs, half coarse and half
fine, 39c.
Ladies', Dressing Combs, all coarse or
half coarse and half fine, zoe to $I.19.
Hair Brushes. with pure white bris-
ties, SI.49 to S3.49.
Oval Mirrors, with beveled edge, Axe,
S2.9S.
Large size, SKI. $40.
White Tray, ski. $2.19.
Infant Sets, with brush and comb. in
white, blue or pink; small size. Choice,
see.
Infant Sets. with brush. comb. pow
der box and soap box, in white, blue or
pink, $1.19.
Toilet Sets, twelve pieces, white Pari-
sian ivory, including brush. comb. mir
ror. hair receiver. powder box, etc.
Packed in,plush box. $1,000.
Toilet Set, white Partisan ivory, eight
pieces. $14OO.
Toilet Set. white Partisan ivory: three
pieces, brush, comb and mirror; $1,000.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-12

gift for the working man or 81 vs.
school child acknowledgements
American Vacuum Bottles. Will keep
liquids hot or cold, just as you like
them.
PintS SI.eo
Quarts $2.SS
$3.50 Kitchen Set-Six pieces. Made of
the best steel (Sheffield). d. no
A suitable gift for the D 20
nome
$3.50 Carving. Set-Three pieces. Ever
Edge make. VIII be appreciated
chrs tn day # You th MAKE f the $98
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-12
TO DETERMINE FITNESS
FOR SERVICE ABROAD

Rigid investigation into the physical
and military preparedness of all Reg
ular Army and National Guard general
officers is under way today to deter
mine their fitness for service abroad.
The examination, ordered by Secretary
Baker, is being made by medical and
efficiency boards and was deemed nee
essary because of the Unusually Sc
we're conditions of service in this war,
Early retirement or discharge of some
of the general officers is to be expected.
as medical boards already have re-
ported against men in both the regu-
lar and National Guard units.
The policy of the War Department
in the matter is defined in the follow
ing statement issued by Secretary
Baker:
Foreign Conditions Unusually Severe
aThe conditions of foreign service in
this war are unusually severe. requir-
ing that general officers shall be not
only adequately grounded in military
science and adequately alert physically
to acquire rapidly the lessons which
the new form of warfare requires. but
able to endure prolonged hardship
"The determinations of these exam
lining boards are impersonal and in the
interest of the success of our armies
and the welfare both of leaders and
men, and will be affirmed by the de-
pattment This policy will no doubt
commend itself to the people of the
country as being in the public inter
est, and even where 1t is necessary to
deny the opportunity for foreign serv-
ice to soldiers of long experience, 1t
win he understood to imply nothing
in any way prejudicial TO the officers
/ involved
| boards of this kind have already
| found some general officers of both the
| Regular Army and the National Guard
| physically disqualified. Such finding
| does not in any way reflect upon the
past service of the officer or upon his
present zeal and willingness to make
| personal sacrifices in the further serV-
| ice of his country, but the question to
/ be determined is one of capacity tc
| perform a highly specialized and ar
/ duous type of service.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-12
Lost Grasp on Jerusalem.

Now Jerusale. religious center for
Mohammedans almost as sacred as for
Christians. has slipped from.thei grasp
leaving them only Constantinople, still
possessing its historic glory and power
of position, but no longer under SUI
ly governed, not by the Sultan and
CaIiph Of Islam, but by Bernstorn and
German military officers
"All the cities Of Islam. sacred from
historical and religious associations
have been wrested from the rule Of the
Turk as the reward of his alliance with
Germany. Now stripped of everything
upon which his courage has for CEN
turtles fed. he can but await final and
complete dissolution as government
and as a centralized religious power"
EXCHANGE on the American dollar has