davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-04
BILL ID CREATE 'IEW POSITION IN tAB|NET PROPOSED Secretary of Munitions is Wsnfed ny Senate Miii-
 tar ommittee
THIS IS 10 E UT
 FROM IT. ' Na5 ssrS s
Charles Eisenman of Army Supply Committee Gives List of Firms From Whom Purchases Were
 Made

Washington January 3.-In further lii- yestigation of clothing and other army sl,pply contracts negotiated by the CIV ;lian supplies committee of the counch of national defense, the Senate military ,o,,,,,,i+taa today received from Charles Eisenman. vice chairman of the contract ing committed, statement or merehan- disc bought from firms whose memners or employees are or were connected wlth the committee.
 or supplies worth about $500 0O0, ,00o, bought during the last eight months, MT FJsenmans statement diScloses that $lzS,- s3o.0o0 worth came from such concerns but that all except $14,S9o064 worth was contracted for before the contractors representative became connected with the committee.
 Before presenting the statement, asked for by Senator McKellar yesterday, El- senman, in concluding his testimony stanchly defended the committee work upheld the policy of secrecy in advance of letting contracts and agaln insisted that the men given the much discussed scrap sorting contract would have been limited to nominal profit.
 Members of the military committee to- night were prepared to launch leglslatlon' the first results of the inquiry. Chair man Chamberlain plans to introduce to- morrow a bill to create a new cabinet member, known as the Secretary of Mu- nitions to have complete charge of all war material purchasing. It is promised Virtually unanimous committee support.
 Another bill, which Senator McKellar plans to introduce tomorrow as result of the investigation, would amend the national defense act, creating the coun- cil of national defense, so as to abolish hll civilian advisory committees and pro- hibit the council members of their agents from being directly or indirectly inter- ested in the supply contracts. The com mttees already have been abolished, but some of their members are serving the departments as expert advisors
 Nine firms were named in Mr. Eisen- man's statement as being among those who had received army supply orders from the committee and whose represen- tatives served with the committee.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-04
SKILLED LABOR WANTED

The immense undertaking requires vast amohnt of material and thousands of 1aborers The whole scheme is one of scientific engineering, and is being carried through without a hitch. Hun dreds of car loads of material are being rushed here, and although thousands of men are already employed, artisans for all classes and kinds of work are being sought Steady employment for months to come is promised, and housing facili- ties are being provided on the grounds for those who cannot find dwellings in Sheffield. Florence or Tuscumbia. In the latter places, however, every effort is being put forth to care for the new conner. It is expected that more than 10000 people will be engaged here in this work alone before another 60 days has elapsed.
 Though the 'city of Sheffield is the scene of these great and important ac- tivities. nevertheless the neighborng cities of Tuscumbia and Florence are of prosperity" already rolling over this entire section. The tri-cities of Sheffield, Tuscumbia and Florence now have population of probably 30 900 people which is being augmented every day. Florence being on the north side of the river from Sheffield and Tuscumbia flinders the plan of one large city here. But East and West Sheffield is expanding and to- ward the south the gaps are filling up, and it is but matter of time until Shef-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-04
ADJUSTMENTS
At the Lyric

A pleasing combination of excellent entertainment is offered on the new bill presented to overflow crowds Thursday evening. and every act was highly enjoyed and well received. Tom Browns black face revue is the headline attraction and the company is composed of talented singers. good dancers and a pleasing comedy vein runs through the offering. The opening presents an old time minstrel parade and then the real fun begins
 To Barto and Clark must be given the credit of presenting distinct novelty. The act is a clever dancing number but the atmosphere in which 1t is set is unique Columbia and Victor is the title of the act, and the opening presents scene in a talking machine salon. The two etertainers are con- cealed in victrolas and render some line of chatter Both Barto and Clark are graceful dancers and the act is one of the distinct hits of the bill.
 The big laugh maker of the bill is Joseph L. Browning. This clever com edian entertains in "A Timely Sermon and his mak-up and grotesque laugh make him an immediate favorite.
 The programme opens with an excep- tionally high-class singing attraction presented by the Edah Delbridge trio All are excellent singers with good voices and their programme consists for the most part of operatic selec- tions.
 Lester Crawford and Helen Broderiel prove a popular pair in a singing and talking number and the act offers much entertainment
 The Mutual reel life pictures prove pleasing feature. The entire bill is one that proves highly pleasing and is very well balanced. There is plenty of comedy, song, dancing, music and nov city Theatregoers will find a good en- tertainment at the Lyric for the re- mainder of the week.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-04
EMMET s. THIGPEN
 WILL AID TATE IN
 HIS LEGAL DUTIES
DOthan Man Made Special Assistant Attorney Gen. eral -J. M. Tucker
 Named Solicitor

Montgomery. January s-(SpeciaL) Emmett s. Thigpen of Dothan was ap- pointed special assistant attorney gen. eral of Alabama by Attorney General E. Floyd Tate Thursday afternoon. Thig- pen will succeed Perry W. Turner, who retired when Attorney General Martin left for Washington to become mem- Der of the aviation corps. Thigpen prac- ticed law in Montgomery for several years and has resided in Dothan about eight years.
 The appointment fills the vacancies in the attorney generals department with the exception of a file clerk and an effort will be made to do the work of the department without the use of file clerk.
 David W. ". F6rer of Montgomery has assumed his duties as regular assistant attorney general, succeeding Lawrence E. Brown and Mrs. Mildred Sanders of Montgomery has become stenographer. as the successor of o. K. Overton, resigned.
 ]. M. Tucker of Prattville was ap- pointed solicitor of the Fifteenth Ju- dicial circuit as the successor of l.. Floyd Tate by Governor Henderson Thursday afternoon. Three attorneys of Clanton, including ]. C. Curry. Governor Hender- sons running mate in the last election, who sought to be lieutenant governor. applied for the position and the governor decided it would be better to give it to another town
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-04

field and Tuseunbia will merge into one great, growing municipality. Community spirit is therefore exemplified, and all though each town is vieing with the other in cordial and frank manner, every citizen is imbued with a pride and feeling that the tri-cities community is destined to become the largest govern ment industrial center of the United States
 OPPORTUNITIES RECOGNIZED
 That the splendid opportunities here are being recognized far and wide is evidenced by the arrival daily of people in great numbers from all sections of the country. Many of them are men of means and they are making investments in properties of all kinds. The field Is an inviting one from evtry conceivable viewpoint. The truck gardener, the poul- try and dairy farmer. the merchant the iron manufacturer, the builder and con- tractor the banker and labor represen- tative all find inviting opportunity here.
 It is significant. too, that government tai enterprise does not alone hold sway here. but collateral development is talk ing place as well. Great iron furnaces, railroad shops, rolling mills, foundres, cotton congresses. wood working plants, cotton oil mills and stove manufacturing plants abound here. The abundance of raw material and its accessibility: splen- did railroad facilities, north, south, east and west. and river transportation make this point an ideal manufacturing loca- tion. Naturally and in consequence of these facts numerous and various kinds of industries will sooner or later seek location sites here
 The developments taking place here cer- tainly present the possibilities cI the tri- cities section in a true and impressive light.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-04
ALABAMA BOY ON
 LIFE IN FRANCE

Lieut.. Julian Strassburger of Mont- gomery and well known in Birming- ham, who is with the Rainbow divis- ion in France, has written the follow ing interesting letter to his parents;
 Somewhere in France.
 November 30, 1917. My Dear Mother and Father:
 sJust finished our Thanksgiving din- ner and nothing I have ever eaten at the Ritz Carlton ever tasted so good.
 .We had turkey. cranber sauce and all the constituents of a Thanksgiving dinner.
 q tell you, dear ones. Uncle Sam looks after his soldiers. no matter where they are.
 I've are at last in our final training camp Of course I can't tell you any thing concerning our whereabouts or what we are doing.
 This is one of the quaintest little villages ever saw. It must be a thou sand years old; the houses from the outside look dilapidated and torn down, but inside they are furnished with antiquated furniture that people in the United States. would pay for> tune for.
 Captain Smith and I are located at the same place. It is owned by an old man and his wife named Georgin. They are very fine old people and can't do enough for us. I am learning to speak the language quite duently and will be some linquist when I get back home. Of course I learned it at the univer- sity and it has helped me wonderfully. I do the interpreter stunt for the of ficers of our company. The old people help me by talking to me quite fre- quently. They can't speak English at all
 mother to us. We each have our own room. old and musty smelling but comfortable and the best old bed you ever saw. It is three feet deep with feathers. Of course it has feather GOV ering over every morning, dear ones, I have to have a ladder to climb out of my bed, and dear old Mime. Georgin puts a hot brick in our beds to keep out feet warm You have all probably heard of that old custom.
 There are a lot of old customs here that one has read and heard about for instance, the people i've in one part of the house and the chickens and horses live in the other part. am great on adapting myself to any condition and am as happy in these surroundings as can De. | get three meals a day and big ones, too; warm bed. dry and warm clothes. Now what more could a fellow want? Of course I miss YOU all great deai. put am perfectly content ca here. ! tnink l must be somewhat Of fatalist l am getting so fat that
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-04
Indictment Against Nelson
 and His Son Is Dismissed

Madison, Wis, January 3.-The in- dictment charging Congressman John M. Nelson and his son. Byron Nelson, with conspiracy to evade the seleotive draft law. was quashed by Judge Charles Carpenter of Chicago in fed oral district court this afternoon on the ground that 1t was faulty and in- sufficient.
 The government may take the mat ter to the circuit court of appeals. Judge Carpenter suggested the rule of law laid down by that body should also apply to the case against Byron Nelson. who in separate indictment. is charged with fleeing to Canada to avoid the draft.
 Before an appeal can be made in federal case permission must be obtained from the Attorney General at Washington" said District Attor- ney Wolfe
 "We will ask permission to secure this annealn
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-04
NEWS IF EN!SlEY

The Progressive Study club held d most interesting meeting with Mrs. Henry Moore yesterday afternoon at which time the subject for study was Science" The Navy's New Scientific Board and It's Chief Value to the Coun- try,"> was given by Mrs. Hubert De- Bardeleben: Thomas A. Edison and His Inventions" by Mrs. J. B, Good man. Scientific Research to Meet the Needs of America Today" by Mrs. J. T. I.oNery; "Science--Teutonic and Latin" by Mrs. E. W. Salonika; Phys ical Science." Mrs. John White; Inter national Scientific Relations After the War" by Mrs. wynne.
 Mrs. J. W. McCarty was hostess to the Thread of the Story club yester- day afternoon. Norwegian literature was studied as follows; Roll call, Astrological Characters" Sketch of Ibsen; His Life and Works" Mrs J.. w. Minor; the story of "The Master Builder Mrs. M. M Hughes: "Nor- weglan Myths and Folklore" Mrs. Edith Edwards.
 The members of Fonville grove No. 75, Ladies of the Woodmen Circle, are requested to meet at the Woodmen hall tonight at [ o'clock to practice for the public installation to be held at the w. o. W. hall Monday evening jointly with the Woodmen of the World.
 Dewitt Hale. the 29-month- -old son of MT. and Mrs. Fred Hale, died at the family residence. rig seventeenth street. yesterday. The funeral will take place from the residence this aft ernoon at o'clock with interment at Oakland cemetery.
 Funeral services over the remains of Hoke Anderson, the 7-year- old son of MT. and Mrs. Homer Anderson, will take place at Pleasant Grove ceme- tery this afternoon at o'clock with Echols & Angwin in charge.
 The Woman's Christian Temperance union ot Fairview will meet with Mrs M. A. Jones. 1918 Hayes street, this afternoon at 2;3o o'clock.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-04
Servia Sends Message of
 Hope and Confidence

Washington, January 3.-Confidence in the ability of the allies to secure a com plete victory over the central powers was expressed by the minister of foreign affairs of SSvia, in his New Years greeting to the state department. The message, made public today, said:
 T hasten to take the occasion of the new year to tender to your excellency, in the name of the royal government Of Servia, and in my own name, our Lest wishes in the firm conviction that it will bring US final victory over the common foe. I doubt not that it will open new era which will insure the reign of jus tice. equality and liberty to all persons, great and small, as q lasting and pros- porous peace, in which mankind will find guarantees for a new future of free development of all it's intellectual and economic forces. PASCHITCH,
 Foreign Minister"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-04
Red Cross Is Thanked
 By Men From Fleet

Washington, January 3.-The Red Cross today announced receipt of this message from the men of the Atlantic fleet:
 "The men of the fleet send New Years greetings to the Red Cross, and thanks for Christmas gifts received'
 To this message was one from the fleet commander-in-chief, expressing his ap- preciation of the work of the Red Cross for the sailors which. he said. could not "help but add to the determination of everyone in the service to do his utmost to protect those at home by bringing this war to a successful conclusion"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-04
New York Man Leaves
 Will in Which the Kaiser
 Is Called a Barbarian

New York, January 3.-Reference to Emperor William of Germany as the barbarian who criminally caused the war was made by Jean Baptiste Bour- dis, of the former silk firm of J. Bourdis & Co.,, of this city, in his will which was filed today. A bequest of 500,o0o francs was provided for institutions under the control of the French government for the relief of helplessly crippled French soldiers, victims of the criminal war im- posed by one man for tne satisfaction of his own ambitions.
 The residue of the estate also is to be aplpied to the relief of maimed French soldiers, while other sums were set aside for the benefit of French hospitals and war ophans An income of 10000 francs was bequeathed to the city of Lyons France, for the purchase of paintings for the pupils of the Eeole Des Beaux Arts. at which MT. Bourdis was once a stu dent
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-04
Capt. ]. R. RYAN DIES
 IN RICHMOND, VA,

News has just been received here of the sudden death of Capt. J. R. Bryan, in Richmond, Va, a few days ago. Cap tain Bryan was well known in Bir- mingham, having lived here for more than S2 years. He came to this city in 1882 and was for many years connected with the Georgia Pacific railroad. and when this company was absorbed by the Southern railway, he entered the real estate business here.
 In the spring of 1914 Capain Bryan moved to Charlottesville, Va. where his widow and children now reside.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-04
VAST WORK UNDER WAY

The most striking features of present activities hereabout is the vast work be- ing done in East and West Sheffield, where the federal government is build ing extensive industries. It is signifi- cant that this work is being done by two of the largest construction com panies in the world Construction of the synthetic ammonia plants in West Shef- field E being done by the J. c. White Construction company of New York, While the great cynamid plants in East Sheffield are being builded by the West inghouse, Church, Kerr company, and both have had extensive experience in government contract work. The latter company will also be engaged in build ing the large power dams across the ren- nessee river at Muscle Shoals Summing up, it is estimated that the government will expend more than sS0,000,o00 in build ing these immense industries, if $50, ,00O,- GOO is not reuuired
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-04
Chinese Ambassador Says
 Countrymen Doing Part

New York, January 3.-China a1- ready has 125,0oo men behind the fir- ing lines in Mesopotamia and France, pr. Wellington Koo, Chinese ambas- sador to this country, said in an ad- dress here today before the Chamber of Commerce of the state of New York. When the Chinese commissioners now in the United States return to their own country tn cir advice to their government, Dr. Koo said, undoubted- ly would result in Increased military activity.
 China intends doing her utmost in this struggle against autocracy,' the ambassador declared.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-04
7ri-Cities Start or
 the NetU Year With
 Brightest Prospects
Sheffield Tuscumbia and Florence Are Facing Future Fraught With Wonderful Opportunities and Their People Are Not Unmndful of the Gifts of the
 Past and the Responsibilities Ahead
By II. FoNrAINE LITTLE

Sheffield, January .-(speeial) )-The beginning of new year offers an op- portunity for a review Of conditions in Sheffield and the tri-cities section, since extraordinary industrial developments are having the effect of completely trans-
 ar4a;ng conditions in this section. is4htst the changes taking place here soasy are unparalled in the history of sas country, and bids fair to set a strik- ing precedent, Imbued with the spirit arising from these new conditions of progress and prosperity" the people of this section are "optimistic beyond ex- pression." While these new environ ments are being fashioned rapidly, the future indubitably promises still larger opportunities, which will follow in due time in the wake of present accomplish ments
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-04
Card of Thanks

We wish to express our grateful thanks to the many kind friends for sheir kindness and sympathy. and for the beautiful floral offerings extended us during the Illness arid loss of our be- loved mother
 ERNEST E. CHAPPLE.
 MRS. W. H. LITTLE
 FRANK F.. CHAPPLE.
 MRS. A. B. WATSON.
 FLORENCE c. DONNELLY.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-04

my clothes are all getting too small for me I will weigh soon and send you the verdict
 "Porter and Crensnaw have been promoted to first lieutenants; in fact all the second lieutenants in the diff ferent regiments have been promoted to first lieutenants. Sergeant Bring ham and Sergeant Ed Williams, Dad Williams son of the Masonic Home, have been recommended to attend a school of instruction and if they make good in three months they will get commission. They will leave tomorrow morning. Please telephone Dad Will Hams about it. I know he will be tick1ed to death. We hate very much to lose them in the company, as they are two of the best men we have, but they deserve the chance of promotion. am glad for their sakes. Tell papa I am going to draw November's pay over nere because l am not near any place where can get my letter of credit cashed."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-04
At Loew's Bijou

An excellent picture, Stolen Hours" with Eshel Clayton portraying the leading role, put Loew patrons in a frame of mind to enjoy the excep- tional bill of vaudeville yesterday which folliwed the superb photoplay.
 Maude Leone in Movie Minnie" is one of the most enjoyable bits of con- edy ever presented in Birmingham Miss Leone is clever down to her fin ger tips, and she displayed exception al histrionic ability in her act, with support that was most acceptable This is a most amusing skit, yet 1t carries a strong moral, and is given a good hand by the audience through. out the presentation.
 Bob Carlin is a clever comedian, and his new janitor job was clearly un- derstood by the packed house that sat in front of him in a high state of fnerriment. His recitation on Flu genics' was greatly enjoyed.
 LeRoy and Hart gave refreshing number. their selections being quite acceptable and above the average of this class of entertainment. and es- pecially good were their voices. Scan- lon and Press were whirlwind dancers, just as they are billed, and they de- ce1ved no one. This pair can cover as much territory as an ordinary tank on the French front, and they seemed to meet no obstacles in their run for favor. The Three Atkins performed some very clever acrobatic contortions indeed. Many of their stunts are en- tirely new in Birmingham and they were warmly applauded The comedy that runs through their act eradicates even the suspicion of a dull moment
 The news weekly was exceptional ly good followed by the comedy pie lures. A large audience greeted the afternoon and evening performances and many were forced to stand in the rear on account of arriving too late to get a seat.
 Maude Leones vehicle. Movie Min nie," was written by Willard Mack. one of the cleverest sketch artists and playwrights of New York. It is per- fectly balanced and a splendidly con, ceived bit of nonsense and philosophy
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-04

e4 ns l-ic coast from Hatteras 60 E ort aaGe5 to the discomfort in .o aa te soar3 rec tions. Acute coal saori 4aVSifE suffering in many sections @ssa centuated by freezing of hGEh pts pra- venting movement of coal-ladea Tsse sells.
 Temperatures over the eastern part of the country were officially an nounced as from 20 to 30 degrees be- low the seasonal average, with the mercury below zero at Albany, which appeared as the coldest city in the country today At New York it was above, in Boston s above and in Washington above. The low temper atures extended into the far south. with 30 above at Savannah and S6 at Jacksonville.
 Tn the lake region and Ohio valley had moderated some what. the mercury standing at 20 above at Chicago. There will be snow in the lake region tomorrow, contin- uing Saturday and extending Friday night and Saturday through the Ohio valley, the middle Atlantic states and west and south New England.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-04
RULE OF WINTER IN
 EAST AND SOUTH IS
 NOT YET BROKEN

Washington, January 3.-While it will be mot so cold" Saturday, real relief from the cold wave which has gripped the southeastern and eastern part of the country for nearly a week apparently is not now in sight. Com tinued cold tomorrow was predicted tonight by the weather bureau and aster Frankenfield said there
 es only very slight modera-