davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-10-24
PLAN TO EXTEND
 THE LOAN DRIVE
By HOLLAND

New York. October 23.-(Special.)-At a private and informal netting last week of some of those who are of importanct in the world of finance and banking the suggestion was made that com munication be sent to Secretary of tn, Treasury McAdoo that he would be justi. lied in extending to another week tn, campaign for the sale of the Fourth Liberty Bonds Presumably some hini of this or possibly the communication did reach Secretary McAdoo. for he. speaking informally, stated that the loan would be closed at the end of the third week. There were certain and diplomat ic considerations, especially the effect in Germany of the announcement that it was necessary to extend the loan sub scription period beyond the first fixed which persuaded Secretary McAdoo that 1t would not be wise to extend the time.
 One reason alone influenced those who thought it might be worth while to make a recommendation of this kind to Secre- tary McAdoo. This reason was the prev alence of the grippe or influenza It came to Knowledge of many of those who were serving as salesmen for the bonds not only in the New York dis trict but also in five or six other fed eral districts, that the influenza had se- riously interfered with their sale of the bonds. That was true or the hlcnmOnu district, the Kansas City district and especially of the Philadelphia district. It was also true of the New York dis trict.
 But it was not the retarding influence upon the sale of Liberty Bonds by which the effect of the influenza epidemic was exclusively felt In some parts of the country it has caused a decrease in pro- duction of approximately 30 per cent. and in almost every part of the country it has occasioned more or less falling off in production
 The loss in trade which the retail nler, chants throughout the country have met with has been in the aggregate very large. The impairment of efficiency has also been noticeable There never has been in this country. so the experts say, so complete domination by an epidemic as has been the case with this one. Oc- casionally there have been very fatal epidemics but these have been confined
 restricted districts. Typhoid. some times of an exceedingly violent charac-
 CT, has occasionally prevailed in cer-
 ain restricted areas. The yellow fever epidemics, of which the latest and pre- iumably the last. was in the lower Mis- sissippi valley more than a generation ,go have been completely mastered.
 At the Rockefeller Institute of Re- search some of the men of science there
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-10-24
New York Futures
New Orleans Cotton

New Orleans. october 23,-Weakness developed in cotton today, the market slumpng badly in the afternoon follow ing periods of steadiness, and even strength in the morning session. The close was at the lowest of the day, a net decline of GA to 65 points. Liquida- ton of long contracts put the market to it's lowest prices.
 In the early trading sentiment was bearish because of the feeling that there was less reason for hoping for early peace, and the market lost 16 points. This decline was recovered and replaced by an advance above yesterdays close of 9 to II points when the warning was posted for the storm which appears to be headed for the east gulf coast.
 Considerable buying for long account appeared on this hard spot, but support was not well sustained and when the market commerced to fall off again, showing an entire absence of rallying power, longs commenced to unload. An ca sy undertone was carried to the close.
 The weekly crop reports were consid- erably favorable on the whole, and much was made of increasing stocks al ports and in the interior and also of the lack of a spot demand. Locally, spot quota tions were reduced by 50 points.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-10-24
Over CamnbelI & Co.'S Wire

New Orleans, october 23.-(Special) Cotton was soft today and fell away easily for fairly wide declines Pres sure against values was heaviest in the afternon when early buyers, dis appointed over the failure of the mar ket to attain any rallying power, started to liQuidate. Their offerings were tll-received. In the early after noon prices were 52 points under yes- terday's close on the most active months In the early trading prices lost about 20 points on bearish sent iment over world politics, that IS as asgards an early peace, but the storm warning for the east coast, caused nervousness among shorts and more or less buying for long account On this demand the mraket was sent g to Il points over the level or yesterdays last quotations. Support was not long maintained and once the decline start ed, there was a rush to unload and the result was quick slump.
 Bearish operations unquestionably are aided for the time being by the halt in the diplomatic negotiations for peace and the indications that the world conflict will again settle down to a question of force and arms. Con- tinued victories by the allies are not the bullish factor they formerly were because the trade is too desirous of discounting the ultimate results and especially peace. Bears are further encouraged by the favorable weather over the belt the accumulation Of stocks at ports and the interior and the lack of a spot demand. For the time being the market promises to re- spoEd more readily to selling than to buying.
 At the lowest of the day prices were 64 to 65 points off net. The close was steady at the lowest of the day.-Shep- ard & Gluck
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-10-24

immediate future. which may be produc- tive of some frost The weekly wealth CT and crop report was generally favor able except for the complaint of rain retarding picking in the central portion of the cotton region.
 Liverpool and the south sold freely of contracts today, but buying was suffi- cient to absorb offerings and to create steadier tone to the market. How ever. statistics continue bearish owing to light exports and stocks accumulat- ing In the interior and at the ports owing to scarcity of tonnage for commercial purposes.
 Unless prospects become more favor able for early peace or unless killing frsst makes it's appearance in the cot ton region in the near future, present values are not likely to be sustained.
 This afternoon the market developed weakness owing to less favorable pros poets for early peace. Press advices are to the effect that Germany is planning for a defensive war and Berlin tntimat- ing that Alsace-Lorainne will not be re- stored to France. Washington issued an authoritative statement that there is nothing in the German communication to alter the decision of the President that he will not propose an armistice to the allied nations before the Germans evacu- ate all occupied territory. Therefore in- dications are that there will be no armis- tice under present conditions, that the war will continue and that the allies will continue in their efforts to drive Alsace-Lorraine by force of arms, in which they will likely be successful, per haps in the not distant future.-H x B. Beer
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-10-24
LETTERS TO EDITOR
PATRIOTIC VICTIM OF THE "FLU'

To the Editor of the Age-Herald:
 On last Saturday at the home of her aunt, Mrs. Lula Ginzler on Twenty first avenue, north. one of the victims Of influenza passed to the other world--Mrs Eva Meyers Culver. The writer had the pleasure of receiving her into the Methodist church July 3, 1911. Our fami- lies were neighbors four years, and this dear young woman was in our home like one of our own daughters. She was married to MT. R. F. Culver four years ago, and their marriage was quite hap py Mrs. Culver was recently at Adam s Corner for weeks selling Thrift Stamps and War Savings Stamps-sold them by the thousands of dollars worth-was cheerful and greeted every one with a smile. It is probable that strain and eff fort to be successful in working for her nation precipitated her death--yet she did it gladly and .unselfishly, and became a martyr to her country's cause. She was dutiful daughter, loving wife and good working Christian-president of her Epworth League and captain of scout girls of the Tenth division. Her pastor Rev. G. F. Cooper. and the writer, buried her in beautiful Elmwood Monday in the presence of a large number of loving friends. l.. F. WRITTEN.
 Birmingham, October 23 1918.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-10-24
BULLS HAD CHARGE OF GRAIN PIT AND
 SENT FIGURES UP
Corn Closed Strong at Ad- vance of 3 3-4c to 4 1-Sc. While Oats Followed
 With Profit

Chicago, October 23-Bullsh sentiment engendered by developments in the war outlook became more pronounced today, and there was sharp advance in prices. Closing figures were strong, S& to 41sc net higher with November s1271s to s1Y4s. and December s1.25 to s1.25ls. Oats fin- ished 12c to 19sc up and provisions off l7c to Soc
 Not only were corn futures at no time lower than yesterdays close, but the latest quotations were virtually at the topmost level reached. The dominating influence during the session was the passing of diplomatic and military events. Offerings were scarce, and ali though an offering at one time wiped out nearly all the gains. the effect was soon overcome. Reports of scarcity of cars in some sections added to no- ticeable extent to the upward tendency of values.
 Oats were influenced chiefly by the action of corn. Some improvement or the domestic call was reported
 Provisions underwent a decided set back owing largely to weakness in the hog market and to 1ull in cash de- mand. The biggest breaks were in the value of lard
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-10-24
LESS OPTIMISTIC
 OUTLOOK ON PEACE SENDS COTTON DOWN
General List Closed Barely Steady at a Net Decline
 of 3S to 60 Points

New York, October 23.-A less optimistic view of peace prospects and bearish sta tistical features were considered respon- sible for the sharp break in cotton prices here today. The general list closed bare ly steady at net decline of 3S to 50 points
 The market opened easy at decline of to 27 points under Liverpool and Wall street selling. There was also scat tered southern selling, presumably against spot supplies, and the market was weak right after the call with October sell ing at 306S and January at 2S94, or y5 to g points under last nights closing figures. Covering checked the decline at this level. Expectations of a cold wave in the belt toward the end of the week and an idea that the market was in a firmer technical position after reactions of about 1S0 points from recent high levels, helped to steady prices. But there was no general or aggressive demand and after recoveries to about last night S closing figures with January selling at 2e PC the market turned easier under persistent seller, supposedly on straddles which would imply expectations thatNthe war will continue, and it was believed that Wall street buyers of late last week were liquidating.
 Southern selling was also more in evil dence than recently, and served to stim- ulate the talk of heavy ginning returns with rapidly accumulating supplies in the interior. October broke to 3047c and January to 2S6Oc with active months generally selling 51 to 50 points net lower and closing within a few points of that level. Reports from the goods trade in- dcate that manufacturers are offering goods more freely for the first quarter of next year, and cotton yarn buyers also report that spinners are selling more freely.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-10-24
SETBACK TOSTOCK TRADING IN EARLY
 HOURS OF SESSION
Check to Extravagant Spec ulatiOn is RumOred Among the Big Fellows on
 Wall Street

New York, October 23.-The stock mar ket experienced a severe setback from its strong opening today, representative shares yielding ? to points and some volatile issues considerably more
 Unsettlement, which was at it's flood at midday, resulted from rumors that fi- nancial interests were earnestly consid- ,ering measures to check extravagant speculation
 Leading bankers held a protracted con ference with officials of the Federal Re serve bank during the market session, put the result of their deliberations re- mained unknown at the markets close.
 There was a strong impression, how ever, that the local money pool had de- cided to remove the long-existing ban upon call money rates, the effect of which might be a much higher lending rate
 Various reasons were advanced in ex- plantation of the attitude of the bank CTS, but it was recalled that a 10 per cent installment on the Fourth Liberty Loan falls due tomorrow, involving pay ments of slS0,000,0o0 from this section alone.
 Additional uneasiness was created by the publication of the German chan cellors speech to the Reichstag, traders accepting its tenor as further obstacle to immediate peace negotiations.
 War shares led the general rally of the last hour, new buying ensuing on the demand for Baldwin Locomotive, ship pings and distilling issues.
 : Final prices averaged 1 to 3 points over lowest levels in rails and active indus trials.
 5 Bonds were heavy, rails yielding much of their recent advance, with an irregu- lar trend in the Liberty group. Total Sales (par value) aggregated 9,875, ,000. Old United States coupon Is lost ss per cent on sales.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-10-24

employed are beginning what is to be an exhaustive and it is hoped, sue cessful study of the nature of the disease and the means of it's prevention or the mastery of 1t. The experts think that the fact that the epidemic has spread over many parts of the world will lead
 to patient and exhaustive study so that efficient methods of combating it when
 it again appears may be discovered. THE STAMP TAX
 Many persons have urged Congress to include in the revenue tax bill q clause providing for the imposition of a stamp
 tax represented by a 2-cent stamp placed upon every check or draft before pay
 ment upon the check or draft can be
 made. Word comes from Washington that the Senate committee is favorabiy disposed toward this proposition. New ertheless, the Senate may reject 1t, not because the tax would not bring in a large revenue, but because it may be deemed inexpedient to adopt a measure of that kind.
 One of the reasons why this tax IS deemed inexpedient by some of those who have given careful consideration to the proposition, is based upon the enormous increase in the use of checks. Congress did impose a 2-cent stamp tax upon checks at the time the revenue bill was perfected to meet the extraordinary ex- penses occasioned by the war with spain But that was 20 years ago and the use of checks has increased many hundred fold since that day.
 Now frequently wages are paid in checks. Persons of small means are abe to keep bank accounts, although the balances are not large and they use checks in payment of all their expenses excepting those which they meet by small change carried on the person. This re- markable increase of the use of checks
 has been of great value in expanding
 credit within wise limitations.
 Many corporations, many business
 houses, find it necessary in the course
 of a month to send individual checks the
 number of which is very large. There might be some curtailment if stamp tax were levied in the use of checks. and some are of the opinion that hoarding
 of money will be certain in case the law
 compelled the affixng of 2-cent stamp
 upon every check. The leading bankers of the United States are understood to
 be opposed to the check stamp tax on the ground that it is inexpedient and might lead to serious curtailment Of credits'
 There is, however, another point Of view and that is based upon the ease Witn which revenue can be obtained rom tnis
 service, the presumable magnitude or the
 revenue and the belief that the imposi-
 ton of this tax would not be followed
 by any falling off in bank deposits or
 any considerable restriction in the use
 of checks. It would. however, be a dl-
 rect tax and that is something which the
 American people have never Iiked.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-10-24
WORK OF COLoRED WOMEN
To the Edltor of The Age- Herald.

To the Editor Of The Age-Herald
 We wish to thank the colored people of Jefferson county for working so faith fully with us in the womens Liberty Loan committees drive. We have never seen more cheerful service rendered, nor greater results accomplished.
 We wish also to thank w. B. Driver for giving up a portion of his business space on the third floor of the Penny bank building for our headquarters, and for his appreciated midday lunches
 We attribute our success to the well organized forces of the coored women s council of national defense and the pray CTS of the faithful Our women are do- ing their part quietly, cheerfully and faithfully.
 We are now giving our time and atten- tion to assisting the city and county au- thorities in stamping out the epidemic of influenza
 Yours for liberty,
 (MRS.) H. J. HUCKABEE, County Chairman of Colored Women's 8 Liberty Loan Committee.
 Birmingham. October 23, 1918.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-10-24
Rumors on Wall Street Say Check
 Will Be Put on Extravagant Trading
By JOHN c. MOSES

erty Bonds today were: slss, ss6O; first convertible is, T.24; second As, s7.04; first convertible 4As $780, second convertible AS, 9710; third 4As, 97.2e.
 Cotton went to sharp break on op- tmistic views of peace prospects and bearish statistical figures. The general list closed steady at a net decline of s to 60 points. Southern selling was more in evidence than recently.
 Sentiment was bullish all the way through the grain pit session and corn went up 3s4c to 4lsc net higher.
 Oats followed the action of corn, clos ing 19c to 15sc up. Provisions suffered a decided setback, due mostly to lower hogs
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-10-24

 Yesterday was another off day among merchants, due to bad weather. Some wholesale deliveries were made to out lying sections. The Union Stock Yards make correo- tions in hog quotations this morning, all of which are downward. Fall gardens are looking fine, as the growing season has been favorable. Quotations were as follows:
 Poultry Fryers-1 to 1h pounds. Ssc lb.; lbs, SSc 10. Guineas-50c each Roosters-20c. Turkeys-Live. 35c lb. Ducks-30c lb. GeeSe-12I2c lb. Hens-32c ib. Eggs-Wholesale, 50Q52c. Eggs-Retail, 59a6lc.
 Fish Spanish Mackerel-221ac Pcmpano-35c. Salt Water Trout-20a22c. Mixed Fish-12c. Red Snapper-Headless and drawn, 20 Q21c. Gray Snapper-Headless and drawn, 121Rc. Mullet-10allc. White Trout--12c. Chesapeake Bay Oysters-Extra select, $2.75 gallon.
 Meal and Feedstuff Hen Feed-S425 per 100-lb. sack. Mixed Horse and Cattle Feed -s70 c. S. Meal, Per Cent-s60. Peanut Meal-s65. Kiddo Feed Meal-s45 Velvet Bean Meal--$46 Old Style Huls-$3t Lintless Hulls-S20. Corn-$2 10 Corn Chops-s4. No. White Oats-Sl per but. Choice Pea-Green Alfalfa-S4S per ton Southern Alfalfa-s46. No. Timothy-s43.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-10-24
Over Stewards Wire

New Orleans October 23-There is one outstanding feature in the market situa- ton and that is. with the change to nquidation and waiting suspense, bear control has gained predominance, and present efforts indicate intention to get as much out of the momentum gained as possible. The ginners report Friday seems particular objective point on the programme as can be seen by the arguments in circulation It is being pointed out that the average percentage or ginntngs to October IS is about 54 per cent, which, if applied to this years ginnings. will figure a large crop. The fallacy of the argument will be realized at once if it is remembered that this crop was brought to unusually early ma turity by months of intense drouth fol- lowed by an almost perfect picking sea son. On actual conditions. it is far more likely that ginpings to October IS are the largest percentage of record. We are not dealing with average conditions this year. but with the most exceptional con ditions.
 Politically, there was nothing much new this morning. Washington expects the official German note this morning. and the President will probably wait with a reply until he has conferred with the supreme council of the allies. This suspense is. of course, another advant- age for the bear side, and the market after opening about unchanged was promptly attacked by scapers selling. Meanwhile, a. bullisS counter force is steadily gaining under the surface.
 Technical conditions are bullish: weath- CT conditions are bullish; futures are at excessive discounts, and any impulse to disturb bear harmony could produce sharp rallies. Prices are now as low as last year with the political situation greatly better. general resistance is likely in spots around the Soc level.
 Heavy general rains continue over west ern half of the belt, and are causing some loss. but the weekly crop report remarks that by far the greater part of the crop had been picked.-John F. Clark & Go.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-10-24

Setbacks were severe on the Stock ex- change, due to rumors that halt on extravagant speculations was to. be called Announcement that the local money pool was considering the advis- ability of restraining speculative opera tons caused further selling at midday. Southern Pacific made an extreme de- cline of points and other rails and in- dustrials yielded ? to 8 points, War shares led the spirited rally of the last hour on rumors that it had been decided to lift the ban on call money. The clos ing was irregular. Final prices on Lib
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-10-24
GREENSBORO

Greensboro, october -(special)--N. B. Jones, the oldest citizen of Greensboro, died and was buried here today. MT. Jones was 90 years of age born and reared here, and a member of one of the most prominent families of the state
 Among MT. Jones' near relatives are his nephews, Henry Jones of Tuscaloosa, Thomas Hamilton Jones of Greenwood. Miss. Lieut. Harold Jones, for years
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-10-24
over McReynolds & Julian's Wire

New Orleans, October Extending ar rival of the official text of the German reply and announcement of construction to be placed on same by Washington, less favorable weather in the cotton re- zion was the sustaining feature Of mar ket this morning
 General rains occurred in the cotton belt over night heavy in localities in the western half. More rain is indicated for east of the Mississippi river, clearing and colder for the southwest There is the probability of change to colder weather for the southern states in the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-10-24
Coffee Market

New York, October a3.-The feature in Ithe coffee situation today was an an- |nouncement from Washington that the 3war trade board is prepared to consider Applications for import licenses through lthe sugar equalization board There also iwas request from the food administra- |tion that members of the exchange send lin full particulars of outstanding con- tracts in; the futures market, including
 khe name of the principal and prices.
 This suggested that progress was be-
 Ing made in maturing plans of the gov-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-10-24

ernment for control of the situation The spot market was dull and nominal- .ly unchanged at 105sc for Rio IS and i2c for Santos As. although there were small sales of Santos coffee grading about as at 15Ssc
 The official cables reported hohday at Rio. There were no quotations TOT spots at Santos, but Santos futures were 1oo reis higher to 50 lower. Santos re- eeipts. s40Oo; Jundiahy receipts, S6,ooo
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-10-24
Sugar Market

New York, october 23.-There was moro activity in the market for raw sugar todav with the committee reporting pur- chases of 27,60O bags of Cubas for Oc- tober and November shipment and l4,tW bags of Porto Rico afloat. Prices were unchanged at 72sc for centrifugal FIT vate advices from Cuba said that the weather continues favorable for the new crop. and that it will be earlier than us- ual.
 In refined the demand Is sti iHli.eu and prices are unchanged at 9c TOT line granulated