davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-27
Rotes Exhibit Baby. Pictures of Members
 and Talk About Elm
T. H. Aldrich Talks on Gas" Northington and Sheppard Intro duced as New Members by
 Gregory Johnston

The luncheon of the Rotary club yesterday at 1 o'clock at the Tutwiler hotel was one of the most delightful enjoyed by Rotarians in sometime. Vice President E. H. Andrews, in the ab- sence of President Val Nesbit. pre- sided. A number of soldiers from Camp Mcclellan, who were guests of Birr mingham people for the holidays, were the guests of the club.
 Two new members, M. P. Northing- ton and Frank c. Sheppard, were in- troduced by Gregory Johnston and l.. P. Kleybecker. respectively. T. H. Al drich was the speaker of the occa- sion and he made most interesting talk on Gas"
 A decided feature of the luncheon was the pictures of Rotarians when babies. Among those shown yesterday were John Sparrow, J. Frank Rushton, J w. Donnelly. J. H. Eddy. Fred Shire man. Ferd and Sol Caheen, Morris Bush. pr. Percy Woodall and Sidney Lazarus
 MT. Lazarus took the picture of John Sparrow and began talking about it and to get even with him MT. Sparrow talked about J. Frank Rushton, While J. w. Donnelly talked about J. Fl. Eddy and Morris Bush talked about Ferd and Sol Caheen, this picture being made when they ran away With Bar nun and Bailey's circus. J. Il. Eddy spoke of J. w. Donnelly and Percy Woodall spoke of Fred Shireman. what -they failed to tell they did not know.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-27
Y. M. |. A. EXPECTING CLOSE BATTLE FROM
 THE AUBURN QUINTET
Local Aggregation Is We'll Balanced and Prepared to Give the Plainsmen
 Tough Fracas

The preliminary arrangements for the Auburn-Y. M c. A. basketball match for Friday night are about completed and interest in the game is running high. A special invitation is extended by the r.. M. c. A. to all the Auburn alumni to be present and root for their alma mater Birmingham is full of Auburn men and they are planning to turn out in force
 close decision will be awarded the winner in either case and it would be difficult to pick the winner. The "" is well fortified by a pair of good guards and their offensive is well balanced by a pair of good forwards in Henley and Stapleton. Chisholm at guard and Da- wis at forward are two lightning sub stitutes who can be counted on If the opportunity should arise.
 Auburn has Hub Hahn, who is great offensive player, at one forward, and Bridges at center is an experienced play CT. From present indications the re- suit appears to be toss-up. Tickets go on sale today.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-27
At Loew's Biiou

There are three headliners on the bill coming to Loew's Bijou the last half of the coming week, and everyone of them has unusual entertaining qualities. The very finest brand of vaudeville enter tainment will be offered, with comedy the predominating note. There will be laughs galore on this bill from start to finish, and the management is making special efforts to furnish comedy on every pro- gramme, for they feel that something to take the mind of the people off pres ent conditions is required in the amuse- ment field today.
 Tommy Hayden, the clever English comedian, formerly of the famous trio, Haydn, Burton and Haydn, will offer his impression of the silly ass'' English man, combined with his wonderful com Haydn is one of the best acrobatic danc- s-s on the stage, and will introduce some new steps in his act this week.
 Another favorite couple on this bill will be Hopkins, AXtell company in their whimsical travesty, Travelling" They are young couple, clever, accomplished and funny, who offer a little filtration scene and with the aid of a stage set ting representing the interior of Pull man car, offer m impression of a newly married couple.
 A third heaGliner will be Daisy Har- court the famous English comedienne, and her original and laughter provoking songs.
 The Ruth Howell trio, presenting a modern Venus in beauty and strength, and her acrobatic partner, in sensational feats of strength and ability and Henry and Adelaide in musical comedy bits will complete the bill. The photoplay will be Kitty Gordon in Pearls and Demand"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-27

CEditor's Note: This is the continuation of series of articles by Jim Corbett, which deal with the career of Bob Fitz- simmons Few men knew Fitz as Cor bett knew him, and so these stories re- veal some incidents in the life of F1tz- simmons that never before have been printed The next chapter will appear tomorrow.)
 Bob Fitzsimmons was nearing his for tieth birthday when he went down to de- feat the second time before the onslaught of Jim Jeffries. That is an age far be- yond the prime of so active an athlete as boxer. Ninety-nine per cent of the pugilists before reaching such an age have been content to call it quits and to settle down to life far removed from the realm of padded mitt. But not so with Bob Fitzsimmons.
 Bob was a fighting man. He loved nothing more than to pit his strength and skill against an opponent. He never was so happy as when he was in the ring. In practically every one of his contests against stellar performers he had been forced to take a terrible beat ing before ultimate victory or defeat came to him. He certainly absorbed more punishment than any first-class ring warrior that the game has pro- duced. Yet, despite all all the batterine by such men as Peter Maher, Gus Ruh- lin Jim Jeffries, Tom Sharkey and the others, his splendid physique and en- durance powers remained There still burned within his breast the fire of bat tle And so Bob Fitzsimmons ignored the fact that he was an old man, as boxers of 40 are considered.
 A few months less than a year after he was defeated the second time by Jeff fries, Bob took on Con Coughlin in Phil adelphia. He showed in that fight Shat be still retained his old-time punching power by knocking out Coughlin in the first round. Two weeks after he met Joe Grimm in Philadelphia and for per- haps the first time in his career Bob Fitzsimmons found a man who was im- previous to his most terrific blows.
 Grimm always will be remembered as man without equal in absorbing pun ishment. It seemed that even a sledge- hammer couldn't fell him for the full count. Grimm knew nothing about the science of boxing, but he had stout heart and seemed insensible to pam. Many men could knock him down, but they couldn't keep him there for 10 sec onds. Bob Fitzsimmons found no diff culty in landing on Grimm Bob hit the Italian with everything he had. He sent volleys of blows to his jaw, to his stom ach, to his heart. But somehow or other Grimm refused to take the count. And when the sixth round was over Grimm was still on his feet.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-27

we shall have little more than enough for our own supply. but we can divide with our allies if each individual makes some sacrifice by eating at least one wheatless meal a day.
 "2. We want to save the meat, for our cattle and hogs are decreasing, and we must send meat to our allies.
 "3. We wish to save the fats. We wish no butter used in cooking, less served on the table; we want less lard, bacon and other pork products used.
 A. Deficiencies in food supply can be amply covered by increasing the use of fish, potatoes, beans, turnps, cabbages and vegetables generally corn, buckwheat. rye and rice. which we will Nave in abundance this har- vest
 %. We want to save transporta- ton. To meet the war pressure for munitions. men and coal, everyone should consume products of local ori- gin so far IS possible.
 "6. We want all to preach the sos pei of the clean plate; to see that nothing of value goes into the garbage can.
 Aside from eating an increased pro- portion of these commodities in order to save on the staples, 1t is extreme :. ly important that any surplus of these commodities shall be preserved or well stored for winter use"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-27
Making Money Out of a Nuisance

From the Popular Science Monthly.
 Industrial chemists are constantly find- Ing new and useful ways of disposing of by-products. One of the latest trouble- some wastes to rise to the dignity of a valuable commercial product is acetylene ash
 This stuff which could not be disposed of proftably a short time ago, is now worth $50 ton
 An employe of a Los Angeles plant. Frank L. Thompson, discovered that 1t could be used to make plaster, white wash and a substitute for marble dust that is used in the surfacing of asphalt highways.
 Dissolved acetylene gas is made from calcium carbide, which is a combination of lime, carbon and ammonia. The pro- duct that remains after the gas has been extracted is slacked lime of decided commercial value.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-27
MAN WRITES OF LIFE AT
 CAMP PIKE, ARK.
Happy" Koerber Says Evi- dence of Thoughtfulness of Those at Home Came
 In Every Mail

John D. Koerber formerly employed in The Age-Herald composing room and better known among his associates as Happy" is now at Camp Pike, Ark, with the Alabama drafted men, and he writes an interesting letter about how the boys are taking to camp life.
 His letter is as follows:
 To the Editor of The Age-Herald
 Being an old employe of the Herald and a Birmingham drafted man, I am taking the liberty of writing you to let you and the Herald know how the Ala hama boys are faring the hardships of camp life.
 Casual Company is made up mostly of Alabama boys and they are as good q looking company as there is in this camp, and are beginning to take to camp life like real soldiers. Company mas on it's muster from Birmingham Harry Reavis, George T. Baker, John G. kyser, David \. Hickman, Andrew Tyler, Jack son and myself, and we are all doing routine and learning soldier life rapidly.
 We have received our equipment and are now all dressed up and ready to do our bit for Uncle Sam. There are boys here in the barracks from Gadsden, Huntsville, Decatur, Athens, and AL bany, and we all gather about the stoves at night and talk about old Alabama and the folks back home, and the folks at home still love us, as evidences of 1t come in on every mail.
 Boxes of Christmas goodies and pres ents light up the faces of the boys, and there is brotherly love feeling exlsting that causes the boys with the boxes to pass the goodies around and make others happy as well as themselves.
 Our officers are real human beingR ana seem to take an interest in our work and treat us good, and, too, the boys are giv- ing them their earnest cooperation in trying to make this a rattling good com pany.
 The Red Cross gave every man in our company a sweater and l want the peo- pie at home to know that when they give the Red Cross money it will be a bless ing to soldiers somewhere. If they could only see the good it is doing in the can comments over the country their purse strings would loosen when contrlbu- tion is asked.
 The Young Mems Christian association is doing a good work here and the boys are thankful to the people that made it possible for this institution to be in our midst It is another case of money well spent. It furnishes writing paper and envelopes to all, free gratis and be- sides furnishes lots of amusements to the soldiers in camp.
 Those are some of the bright sides to camp life, and there I will stop, but you can take it from me, the Alabama boys here are game and will be heard from before the curtain falls on the world war stage and no matter how hard the hardships are, the boys will be there with the goods and will be ready to de- liver them when they are told to.
 Well, I guess I vii stop now, as the bugle is sounding lights out
 So hoping you and all my friends in Birmingham merry Christfnas and a happy New Year, I am, sincerely yours,
 JOHN D. (HAPPY) KOERBER.
 Camp Pike, Ark, December 23, 1917.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-27

cold, hunger, disease and death. The unexpected military reverse had stunned the nation. Rumors of all sorts were in the jar. No one appeared ready to hazard an opinion as to what would happen next. A vicious propaganda had spread the report that America was not friendly to Italy; that we were not interested in the war and even that we were afraid to antagonize Aus tria as well as Germany.
 'If ever evidences. of friendship and confidence were welcome to a coun- try it was in those days before the Piave line was established. America apparently had no available means of expression. Congress was not in ses- sion. Our army could not act. Fortu- nately, however, the Red Cross was in position not only to respond imme- diately to the call of the suffering but also to carry the messages of the American people to Italy in the hour of her distress"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-27
Street Car Smashes
 Truck and Damages
 Nearby Automobile

An automobile truck, driven by l.. R. Bishop, 1715 Second avenue, north, was struck and almost completely demolished by an outbound North Bessemer street car last night about o'clock in front of the Bijou theatre. No one was in- jured, however
 The truck was knocked against an au- mobile. the property of J. l.. Morrison 1904 Cleveland avenue. doing serious damage to both automobiles. The truck, as a result of being struck by the street car and then damned into the automo- bile. was a total wreck.
 The wreck of the two automobiles blocked traffic for some time. A number of windows in the street car were brok- en, also.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-27
ADJUSTMENTS
"Mary's Ankle" at the Jefferson

The management of 'Mary's Ankle" May Tully's sparkling farce comedy, which A. H. Woods will present at the eff ferson today, matinee and night, is considering taking out life insurance on the leading man of the company. MT. Leigh has long cherished an ambi- ton to be an aviator and obtain com- mission from the government. With this end in view. the actor recently agreed with the Herbert Brenon Film corporation to do some flights for sew eral sensational scenes in their movie play, "The Lone Wolff a perturbation of the novel by Louis Joseph Vance. Half a dozen times MT. Leigh donned his aerial habiliments and performed dizzy gyrations before the camera.
 Several weeks ago he made his most daring flight, when he took aloft Miss Hazel Dawn and his account of the journey made the manager of Mary s Ankle" think that a substantial life insurance policy would not be an in. appropriate precaution. At a height of 5000 feet the machine was caught in an air current that turned it com pletely over. Before it could be right ed the engine stopped and by the time Leigh brought the engine under con- trol the biplane had descended to with in 300 fet of the ground.
 Tt made great picture" he said, when relating the incident, but it was bit too thrilling to be comfortable. The joke of it was the director thought had turned the machine over pur- posely and complimented me. so I let the deception pass"
 Leigh had done much aviation work on his farm at Napa, Gal, where he owns 1900 acres, and when he is not acting on the stage, he is wearing over- alls and picking grapes or feeding his stock.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-27
Corbett's Daily Letter
 On Great Sport Topics
By JAMES J. CoRBETT

CORBETT
 Then followed Bob Fitzsimmons' fight with George Gardner in San Francisco. That was fought on November 25, 1903. Gardner was fast, clever fellow and certainly put up a great fight, but he was no match for the Australian. Bob led on points by the proverbial mile and was an easy winner of the decision after 20 rounds of fast milling.
 On July 23. 1904, Bob met Philadelphia Jack O'Bren in the quaker City i'll a six-round, no-decision bout. That was another fast set-to and opinion was di- vided at the end as to who was the real winner. The arguments between the Fitz and O'Brien faction became so heated that promoters in San Francisco recognized a financial opportunity in bringing the two men together So a match was made and the second battle between the two men was fought in San Francisco December 20, 1905.
 And Jack O'Brien knocked out Bob Fitzsimmons in the thirteenth round.
 Bob then decided that he was little too old to continue as an active ring participant. He announced his retire ment. He kept that resolve all through 1906, but on March ', 1907, agreed to box an exhibition bout with Tony Ross. It was put on in New Castle, Pa. BOD made such good ShOWlnS at the IlHie that he felt he still had some good fights left in his system. So he began looking around for some foe, and he found Jock Johnson, then just emerging from the second rate class.
 Fitzsimmons and Johnson battled each other in Philadelphia on July 1T, 1907, and the negro knocked out the one-time great Australian in the second round.
 And then Bob retired" again.
 
 He stayed retired for little raore than year. In September of 1908 he figured he could get little easy money by talk ing on Jim Paul, a third rater. Bob knocked out Paul in the first round. For another year Bob remained inactive. Then he went to Australia and While there found that Bill Lang was cutting quite a wide swath through the pugilis- tic lanes in that section.
 ''Pll fight Lang," announced Bob.
 You're too old; why, you are 46 years old now!'' Fitz was told.
 That makes no difference; I'm pretty nearly as good as I ever was," retorted Bob.
 Fitz then challenged Lang The latter accepted and the bout was put on in Sid- ney, New South Wales, on December c7, 1909 The sublime courage of Bob Fitz- simmons and his bulldog fighting nature carried him along to the twelfth round. Then age exacted it's toll and Bob Fitz- simmons fell a knockout victim before the onslaught of Lang.
 I'm through with the ring now for good,'' resolved Bob. But he wasn't.
 (To be continued tomorrow)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-27
At the Lyric

An entire change of programme will be presented today, matinee and on the bill will be featured many of vaude- villes most excellent entertainers. The headline acts on the programme will be Harry A. Meyers Novelty Minstrels. with joyous medley of nonsense. song and dancing, and Leonard and Willard in the humorous skit Outside the Inn" These two acts are recognized standards of Keith vaudeville, which assures some great entertainment.
 The Novelty Minstrels number in the company many excellent singers, clever comedians and graceful dancers. "The Outside Inn" is a side-spliting features brimful of comedy and comical situa- tions.
 McNally, Denis and DeWolff will en- certain in Making Good" a clever ve- hicle and the McIntyres are Americas premier marksmen. One of the features of this marvellous exhibition is the pres entation of the human target, where a swerve of a bullet hairbreadths would mean death. John Clark and company will entertain in a unique gymnastic offering. The Mutual reel life pictures will be feature.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-27
IRON AND STEEL REVIEW

Cleveland, O., December 26.-The Iron Trade today says:
 No changes are to be made dating from January 1 in schedule of fixed prices for iron and steel products if the President follows recommendations of the war in- dustries board The latter has laid .e- fore the chief executive its decision that the prevailing list of agreed prices be continued to March 31. 1918. At the same time the federal trade commission has passed up voluminous data on the com parative cost of iron and steel produc- ton for October and previous months. The President will take this into ac- count in making his final decision, which is expected to be announced quickly. The war industries boards recommendation clears the air of many conflicting re- ports as to price action. Suggestion
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-27
Spanish War Veterans Last Night Elected
 Officers for Year

The United Spanish War Veterans met last night at the city hall council cham Der and elected officers for the ensuing year. A number of splendid talks were made in regard to the organization of the home guard. The services of the veterans will be used as body to help promote the organization.
 The following were elected to offices for the ensuing year, which starts at the next meeting, January 1: pr. Beckie commander; J. A. Wellington senior vice commander; G. w. Hartford, junior vice comma nder; J. O. Cooper, officer of day; J. c. williamson, officer of guard; P. J. Coyle, trustee for three years
 Installation will be held at the next meetingl All members are requested to attend.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-27
NEWS OE ENSLEY

Quiet continues to prevail in the Ensley district, there being but four cases in police court yesterday morn ing, which was the total of the Christ mas Day misdemeanors.
 Jim Kimbrough was fined S10O for carrying a pistol and an additional s25 for discharging it. Three negroes were given $50 each for disorderly conduct.
 The police have not interfered with orderly demonstrations of the Christ mas spirit The fact that "booze" was unobtainable is attributed as the cause of the quietude. Few crap games have been in evidence also.
 Miss Marie McGlawn will be hostess at weekend house party this week. Her guests will be; Misses Ruth Rob ertson of Cullman, Marie Plemons, Kate Nelson Turnipseed, Leldon Griffin of Cullman. Wilburn Johnson of Hunts vile, John Wilson and William Mitchell
 Mr. and Mrs. H. D. Williams had as their dinner guests Christmas Dsy their mother. Mrs. Joseph Minchener. and brothers, Joe Minchener, Russell Minchener and Ralph Minchener of Bir- mingham.
 Mrs. T. W. Springfield is i'll at the home of her son, pr. T. J. Springfield. on Avenue c.
 The advance sale of tickets for "The Class President" the play to be given at the Elks club auditorium Friday evening, shows that a large crowd will greet the local players Besides this charming play, music will be given by Miss Ellen Dupuw, pianist, and Miss Sarah Mckenzie. violinist Miss Mabel Kent will give dance solo. The play will be given under the auspices of the Cosmos club, with Mrs. D. F. Sugg directing. The proceeds will go to the war relief fund
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-27
IMPORTANT ISSUES FACE MEETING OF
 COLLEGE DELEGATES
Executive Body to Meet To- night-President Wilson Sends Wartime Mes
 sage to Confab

New York, December 26.-Many i'm portant questions affecting intercolle- giate athletics during the war will be considered at the twelfth annual con- vention of the National Collegiate Ath- letic association here on Friday, the today. The executive committee will meet here tomorrow night It is in- timated that messages as to the war time policy of college sports will be sent to the convention by President Wilson, Secretary Baker and Secre- tary Daniels.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-27

go from home to home distributing literature while carrying them modern methods of farming and stock raising. Probably it has been years since the country folks have felt the independ- ence afforded by diversity of crops, and the introduction of better grade of stock. And the very fact that they are doing this to help their country has given them untiring energy and enthusiasm. A feature of the fair was the revival of what we used to do
 in times o fthe Civil War-and ex- ampfes of their spinning wheel and looms adorned the walls--a beautiful display of home-woven wooden com forts, original patterns and home-dyed threads, many of them real works of art-and even now more than 50 years after, they retain their colors and the threads are strong and durable, though most of them have seen actual service for most of this period. The rural dis tricts are in a class to themselves they are working truly and have caught the spirit of our world war and fighting in their own way to win
 Flags are hoisted and the Red Cross is seen through the woodlands on the highways. America, 'Tis of thee" is here and there with the allied world
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-27
LITTLE MARY BUSBY
 PAINFULLY BURNED

Mary Busby, aged nine years, was se- riously burned yesterday afternoon about o'clock at her home. 501 Second street. Pratt City. She was burned on her arms and back when her clothing caught fire from an open grate in the room in which she was playing with her little brother.
 The two children were at home alone at the time of the accident. Her arms and back were painfully burned but it is not thought the injuries will prove fatal