davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-01-06
RAIL EXECUTIVES
 RENEW FIGHi ON
 FEDERAL CONTROL
Heads of Country's Railroads to Lay Elaborate Brief Before Senate
 Committee
By Associated Press


 Philadelphia January 5.-OppoSltlon to prolongatio tion to five years Of the period of government control of railroads was reiterated today at a session of the As sociation of Railway Executives. Ninety two per cent of the mileage of the coun- try was represented at the meeting and practically every railroad had it's presi- dent here. The session lasted nearly three hours and at it's conclusion a state ment was issued for publication outlining the attitude of the railroads.
 An ella aborate presentation of the con tention of the railroads has been pre- pared and this will be laid before the Senate interstaoe commerce committee at it's hearing next Wednesday. com mittee of six will then appear on behalf of the companes. It consists of T. De- Witt Cuyler, Pennsylvania railroad, -chairman of the Association of Railway Executives; Alfred P. Thom, counsel for the associa tion; Howard Elliott, presi- dent Northern Pacific; Julius krutt- schnitt, president Southern Pacific; Samuel Req. president Pennsylvania and Daniel Willard. president Baltimore and Ohio.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-01-06
By Associated Press

New York, January 5.-A general "let down" in the discipline of American mili- tary forces returning from abroad, com parable to the reaction affecting q foot ball team after the close of a season, was condemned in a statement made public tonight by Maj. Gen. David C. Shanks, in command of this port Of enqbarkation. General Shanks stated that, on referring the matter toy the general staff. he had beer advised thaN discipline was to be main aimed even at the expense of bring ing to trial some of those who are short ly to leave the military service Conse- quently. he said. he had been obliged to place some of the officers under ar rest.
 Appealing to the public 'to prevent re- turning officers and men from forget ting that as long as they wear the gov ernment uniform and draw the govern ment pay. they still owe a duty to the United States" General Shanks said:
 Tt is only natural that men who have been long abroad should be eager to greet relatives or friends, but some of them go absent from the gangplank. I now have to deal with the cases of some officers who absented themselves be-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-01-06
NOTED RABBI AND COL. HOUSE CONFER
Dr. Stephen s. Wise in Paris Representing Zionist Or
 ganization of America
By Associated Press

Paris. January 5-Dr. Stephen S. Wise, rabbi of the Free Synagogue of New York, is in Paris as chairman of the Zionist organization of America of which Supreme Court Justice Brandeis is hon orary president and Federal Judge Jul ian w. Mack. president.
 Dr. Wise has recently been in confer ence with Arthur J. Balfour, the British foreign secretary. and other British poli- tical leaders. He is now holding confer ences with Col. E. M House and will see President Wilson on the latter's re- turn from Italy. pr. Wise has also conferred with representatives of the French government who have just noti- fled him that in appreciation of his "em- inent services to the French cause" he will receive the decoration of the Legion of Honor.
 Dr. Wise who, with Mrs. Joseph Fels, of the Zionist deputation, conferred with Colonel House today, said at the con clusion of the conference:
 "As for the Jewish interests, whether general or specific, we feel they are safe in American hands The political, reli- gious and civil equality in all lands which alone can assure Jewish rights, must and will be achieved at the peace congress as the result of what President Wilson in his Manchester address nobly called the compulsion of the common conscience.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-01-06
NEGRO TROOPS IN FRANCE FARE WELL,
 STATES DR. MOTION
Head of Tuskegee Institute Visits Members Of His Race in Germany and
 Elsewhere
By Associated Press

Paris, January 5.-Dr, Rob ert R. Moton, head of the Tus- kegee institute, who recently returned from a thousand-mile motor trip on a visit to the American negro troops in Al sace-Lorraine and elsewhere, has reported to the American peace delegation that the con dition of these soldiers is satis- factory.
 Dr Moton addressed many negro or Eanizations. complimented the men on the good showing they had made on the fighting line and urged them to set an example of industry and thrift to their race upon their return home. He eau toned the negroes to exercise selt-con- trol in France and leave such reputa- tion that the allies would respect the American negro because of hls charac- ter
 pr Moton came to France at the in- vitation of President Wilson and Secre- tary of War Baker as adviser to the American delegates on African affairs He is striving to have the conference protect the rights of the negroes Tn Africa and prevent their mistreatment
 He declares they are incapable of self government as yet, but that they should have the protection of the great powers against injustice.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-01-06

The giant transport Agamemnon which formerly was the Kaiser Will helm II, of the North German Lloyd line, brought the biggest contingent of any of the ships arriving today, having on her passenger list 175 off cers and 2711 men. The list included 330 wounded and more than 2000 of ficers and men of the 345th infantry. as well as a number of casuals.
 Secretary of War Baker, who was on his way to Washington from Buffalo, where he spoke last night, visited the Agamemnon and spent a half hour chatting with the troops on board.
 The other vessels arriving were the Santa Tereas, with 73 officers and 1909 men of the f45th field artillery, re- cruited in Utah. the Henderson, with 2S officers and SIS men, including mem bers of the naval battery which op- erated on the western front, and nearly 400 wounded the/ Nieuw Amsterdam, with 79 officers and 1892 men, includ ing the 3e1st field artillery and 226 wounded, and the Haredia, with 72 of ficers and 10 enlisted casuals.
 The Heredia, which has a quantity of munitions on board, and the North Carolina anchored for the night in Gravesend bay. The other vessels pro ceeded through cheering throngs to Hoboken, where the men were de-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-01-06
SERGT. JOE BURGIN

A letter from Sergt Joe Burgin, Com pany D, 167th infantry, is always inter- esting and the following one from Dries, Germany, which tells of the hike of the regiment into Germany will prove no ex- ception:
 We have been hiking for the last 10days and have almost been dead every night. Was too tired to write and also the postoffice has been closed. This certainly is a beautiful country we are in-all mountains-and it looks so good to me to see a country that is not shot to pieces (even if it is GermanyD
 "We sure have done some walking since we left the Argonne forest We have made 2so kilometres up to this town, and we have a few more days yet to hike. We came all the way through the Duchy of Luxemburg and passed the cities of LuXemburg and Ar1ons. They are beautiful places, but we did not get to stop over though. Would have liked to have spent a few hours in looking around town a bit. We crossed the Ger man border at someNlittle town on De- cember 3 at 40 o'clock The Sayre river forms the border here. s
 The people treat us fine. and all of them say they are glad the war is over and that 'Bilr is gone, They seem to like us better than they did their own soldiers, for when they came through they took what they wanted and we pay for everything we get. Eggs are only one mark (25 cents) each. No, l am not eating many. I did buy some honey the other day and it cost marks per pound and a rabbit costs 20 marks. We are staying at a mans house who had three sons who have just gotten their dis charge from the army. We have an or dery sleep in the front room and Frank Powell and I slept on a bed (oh. joyo in the adjoining room. l bet that those boys little thought that two Americans would be sleeping in their bed, don't you? But c'est le guerre, one can never tell what may happen.
 I've thought we would get turkey for Thanksgiving but didn't. but at that I'm thinking that we all had enough to be thankful for. But I'm glad the war is over I am on the billeting detail from this company and in fact in charge O
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-01-06
Milk Strike" Broken
 in New York City
Bv Associated Press

New York, January 5.-The New York milk strike" of the Dairymen league has been virtually broken, ac- cording to a statement issued tonight by I. Elkin Nathan, secretary of the New York milk conference board. MT. Nathan said that the city will receive 90 per cent of it's normal milk supply tomorrow.
 That the strike was broken was de- nied by R. w. Cooper. president of the Dairymen's league, who declared that only 25 per cent of the normal supply reached New York today and that more than half of this was shipped by mem bers of the league to independent deal CTS who have accepted the league s price of s401 per 100 pounds.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-01-06
MEXICAN REFUGEES FORM GOVERNMENT Six Hundred Fleeing Mexi- cans Will Send Delegates
 to Peace Table

Fl Paso, Tex, January 5.-Six hun- dred Mexican refugees of all political factions formed an organization here today and decided to send delegates to Paris during the peace congress there with a view to obtaining permanent peace in Mexico and the repatriation of all political exiles in the United States and Europe. Delegations will also be sent to President Carranza, Francisco Villa, Emiliano Zapata and other leaders in Mexico in the interest of this movement.
 The meeting was called by leaders of the refuge colony here and the or ganization will be known as the Union de Los Mexicanos. An effort will be made to organize similar unions in San Antonio, Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York, where Mexican refugees reside, it was announced.
 Speeches were made by General Manuel Landa, former officer under the old Diaz government who was elected president; General Juan N. Medina, former chief of staff to Villa; General Felipe Servantes, a leader from the south, and fIilario Lozoya, former governor of the state of Durango. The speakers urged that the proposed union of Mexicans take no part in political or military affairs but shall confine itself to bringing about peace in Mexi co. No effort will be made to partici- pate in any armed movements.
 It was also announced that a similar organization had been formed in New York as the Alianza Fraternal De Mexi- co, and that General Felipe Angels, who is now in Mexico seeking a con ference with Villa, is it's president
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-01-06
American Women Thanked for Part
 in Helping France
By Associated Press

Washington, January 5.-Madame Crepy, who has been in charge of the distribution of garments and supplies sent to northern France from the United States. has sent the fol- lowing message to the women of America:
 Il want to be the first to offer thanks in the name of the women of occupied France, for all the devotion of you American women which has softened our hard lot. l, myself, have had the great happiness 10 distribute to my fellow citizens the clothing, etc, which came to us from the United sStates, and I can bear witness to the great joy with which they were received. For sometime l have had the intention of going myself to America to express appreciation to all the people of that great country for the succor they have given to us in our distress
 The letter was sent to Mrs. A. l.. Geyelin of Bryn Mawr, Pa, whose husband, Major Geyelin, has been stationed in the stricken territory, and was made public here today by the council of national defense.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-01-06
Guns on Ships Are Being Removed as
 Fast as They Return
By Associated Press

Washington, January 5.-Naval guns and gunners placed on American mer- chant ships to protect them against Ger man subfiarines are Sbeing removed as rapidly as the vessels reach home ports, said an announcement today by the ship ping board. The rifles and their crews are returned to the navy, while the steel gun emplacements mounted on the bow and stern are dumped on the docks with out ceremony after they are cut away
 With the withdrawal of the naval crews, accommodations are afforded on each ship for apprentice seamen, fire men and stewards junior deck officers and junior engineers. who will be given their final training at sea after the course in the shore schools. The officers must have three months sea duty before re- ceivins their licenses.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-01-06

Many tales or herOlSm and or nara luck" were told by the returning sol diers. Captain Alex w. Gordin, of Oak Park, Illinois, a company commander in the 129th infantry, had the hard luck" to be wounded at Fresnes on November II, just three hours before the armistice became effective, and to be captured by the Germans He was rescued however, as the Ameri- cans surged forward.
 Captain w. D. Torrey of Detroit, a member of the 355th infantry of the Wildcat division, returned with a paralyZed cheek, resulting from wounds suffered at Stenay where he said al most half of the advance platoon of his company was wiped out before the Germans were dislodged.
 Captain w. G. Smith of Washington. D. C., who was in command of the naval land battery men returning on the Henderson, said that his battery had fired 236 shells on the western front The shells, weighing 1400 pounds, were fired at a 40,000-yard range and observers reported. he said, that the shells had wrought much havoc. His battery lost but one killed and three wounded
 Private Silas McGee, a full blooded Indian of Talihina. Oklahoma, who was wounded while serving with the 165th infantry at Verdun, was also among the arrivals.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-01-06
NEWS OF BESSEMER
PHONE BEssEMER 612-J

Elessemer. January ,. Especially A wedding that came as a surprise to the friends of the contra cting parties was that of MT. James Slaughter and Miss Inez Carter, which took place at the residence of the Rev. L. r. Stansell Saturday evening at o'clock, the cere- mony being performed by the Rev stan sell Miss Carter is the daughter of MT. and Mrs James Carter of Athens, and a niece of Dr. J. W. Carter. She is a young woman of unusual attractiveness and intellect, and has been for several years member of the high school fac ulty, at present holding the position of teacher of French and history MT. Slaughter holds a responsible position with the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Rail- road company in Birmingham.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-01-06
MRS. H. l.. RAINS. Correspondent

the billeting party of the battalion. We are always the first ones in q town. We can always get all the beer we want before the colonel arrives. When he lands the town goes bone dry It is pleasure to do it just to say T beat the colonel to his" l sure have it easy now. DonF have any drilling guard duty to do Don't even have to fall m for reveille Just lie in bed and turn over when the bugle blows. Isn't it fine to be in the army during peace times?
 q wonder how much longer before we are sent home. But there is no use to hurry as the war is over and we might as well see some of the country, for we could not see much when we were at the front Was in hole all of the time -dodging a piece of shrapnel. But l made it. Wish I hadn't taken out the insur- ance now. Think of the money I wasted. will ever work any more. But hate to go back to the mill, Think I'll prac- tice law or preach. Think l have prayed enough to qualify for a preacher But it's strange, a man soon forgets all the promises he makes after the shells quit falling. I don't forget them, but 1 just can't keep them.
 "Oh, yes, we are getting a small rain bow made of silk to wear on our coats. It will be the insignia of our division. They are swell Frank and I are getting a flat-headed woman to embroider ours on the coat with silk thread. It is vel low, red and blue They are surely pretty.
 II sure will have something pinned on me when l get back-three service stripes, a rainbow and foreign service badges galore. l will look like a Christ mas tree l am having me suit of clothes made in Coblenz, Sure are swell. Pretty o. D. sergeI high collar, full peg pants and French style tail on coat. Will be some sport when old Miss Lib erty sees me again. But next time she sees me she will have to turn around for Joe stays on that side of the pond from then on.''
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-01-06
AVIATORS HUNT DEER
 ON LONG FLIGHT
Army Planes, on Last Leg of Cross Country Journey, Stop in South
 Carolina
By Associated Press

Raleigh, N. C., January 5.-Four army airplaneS from Rockwell field, San Diego. Cal. en route cross country trip to Washington, left this their flight after stay of five days here. Mai. Albert ID. Smith, instructor in charge at Rockwell field, commands the squadron of four machines and eight fliers.
 The squadron left San Diego Deccm- her and crossed the continent by ar- irving in Jacksonville, Fla. in 35 hours and minutes without stopping to re- builI n single machine. feature of the trip was a deer hunt in South Caro- lima. where the aviators stopped long enough to bag six fine deer. one of which they brought as far this city. They also hunted and bagged quail in FIOrida.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-01-06
Fate of the LOOkOuts
 to Be Decided Today
By Associated Press

Chattanooga, Tenn, January D.. Stockholders of the Chattanooga Ex- hibition company, owners of the Chat tanooga Southern association baseball club will meet here tomorrow to de- eide the fate of the club President Cantrell has made proposition to Cap tain Samuel $. Nicklin Sammy Strang) veteran player, that if he will take the club and keep it going for three years it will be presented to him in fee simple. Captain Nicklin, who has been. here on q furlough from the army, ac- cepted the proposal of president Can't rell and has taken steps to raise guarantee fund, meeting with success along this line. If the stockholders approve the arrangement, Nicklin will become. president and manager.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-01-06
Discipline in Army WiN
 Be Maintained, Says Shasaks
Ma in Command of Port of Authorization Con demns "Let Down" Among Soldiers-Guilty
 to Be Held Accountable

fore Christmas and who are still absent without leave.
 "I have found on investigation that not infrequently relatives and friends of the officer concerned are to blame. They call him up by telephone or sometimes wire him from a distance insisting that he join them immediately. They over look the fact that he is needed in the performance of some duty which suffers by reason of his neglect.
 Another tendency on the part of offi- cers is to get their, names in print through the medium of complaints of one kind or another. Not infrequently those who complain most loudly have rendered the least service abroad.
 "A newspaper recently published an ar ticle containing the statement that mo civilized country in these days would per nit it's ships to transport immigrants in the way the United States ships bring back it's war heroes, who are herded be- low decks like cattle
 Anyone who knows the facts knows that American troops are in the best vessels afloat, that the government has spent millions in fitting these ships for the comfort of men and officers, that no other government supplies for it's army food of the excellence, abundance and variety enjoyed by the army of the United States"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-01-06
Church Peace Union
 to Be ReOrganiZed
By Associated Press


 New York, January 5.-Reorganization of the Church Peace union on post war basis and combination of it's work with that of the World Alliance for In- ternational Friendship through the churches, was announced here tonight after the annual meeting of the union trustees. While the functions of the World Alliance will be continued by its own directors, they will be co-ordinated with the work of the union.
 Dr. Henry~k. Atkinson, of Boston was chosen general secretary of both union and alliance and Dr. Frederick Lynch of New York, director of the educational department. William Howard Taft, Rlght Reverend Charles Henry Brent, Episco- pal bishop of western New York, and Robert Gardiner of Gardiner, Me, were elected trustees of the Church Peace union
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-01-06
L1 46 Largest Cities OF
 U. 5. 'SF7u'' Kills 111,688

Grand Rapids showed the smallest in crease, the death rate for 1917 having been 13.1
 There were 442,374 deaths in the 46 cities, the estimated population of 42 of which aggregated 20,514, ,520' There was no esti- mate of population for the other four. Deaths from influenza totalled 69i39 with 42 149 deaths from pneumonia.
 The years total death rate in New York city was 1S.S per 1900, compared with 15.2 for 1917. In Chicago it was Ill against 14.9 the year before, and in Philadelphia, where the influenza epidem- ic was very severe, it was PAP compared with I'll in 1917
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-01-06
Trouble With Troops
 at Dover Not Serious
By Associated Press

London. January 5.-It is revealed for the first time, in a long explanation is sued by the war office today that trou- bic similar to that with the troops at Folkestone occurred at Dover but on a smaller a, and it is stated that as the men were acting under a genuine misunderstanding no disciplinary meas ures will be adopted.
 A large staff of officials has gone to Folkestone and Dover to investigate n- dividual cases of discontent and to de- mobilize men who are entitled to their discharge from the army The war office admits that the affair seemed at first likely to lead to serious consequences but says that it is now in the course of satisfactory arrangement
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-01-06
NORTHERN PACIFIC
 STILL FAST AGROUND
sy Associated Pres,

Fire Island. N T.. January 5:--'rhe Uni- ted States transport Northern Pacific, which ran aground off here Wednesday is still firmly imbedded in sand despite the effort of eight wrecking tugs to pull. her afloat shortly before midnight. The steamship vas pulled several yeards sea- ward however, and another effort will be made tomorrow morning to float her
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-01-06
Fiue Transports And Battleship Bring 5000
 Soldiers Safely Home
Tanks Arrive in New York Harbor Full of Tales About Adventures in France-One Captain Was Wounded
 Just Three Hours Before Armstice Was Signed
By Associated Press

New York; January 5Five transports and the battleshp North Carolina steamed into New York harbor today bringing from France. The North Carolina which the first aeshp with
 
  and officers and of
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-01-06
Riga Now in Hands of
 Lithuanian Troops
By Associated Press

Copenhagen, Saturday. January I Riga is in the hands of the Lithuanian soviet troops, according to wireless dis patch from the Russian boshevist head quarters received here
 Fighting has been raging in the-streets of Riga, according to the Lokal Anzeger of Berlin which says the German thea Ire has been set on fire. The German steamer Lucie Woermann is reported to have left Riga yesterday with several hundred fugitives on board.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-01-06
Hoover Donates Prize
 for Relief Work
By Associated Press

Paris Saturday, January 4.-Herbert C. Hoover the food administrator, to whom the Academy of Moral and Political Sciences recently awarded prize amounting to l5,090 francs, has donated tLat sum to the relief Wcrs in north ern France and Belgium This announce lnent was made today at meeting or the accademy in letter from Andre Tar djeu French high commissioner to the United States.