davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-12-23
EXCHANGE CLUB ID
 HOLD AN ELECTION
Organization Joins Movement to Scan Drives" Before
 They Help

At the weekly meeting of the Ex- change club held yesterday at l o'clock
 at the Southern club. nominating com mittee. of which the president is an ex- officio member, was named to choose
 officers and members of the board of control for the ensuing year. The plan adopted provides for the com mittee to name at least two members for every office, and not less than l2 members to fill the six places on the board of control. The report of the com mittee will be made at the next weekly meeting, at which time the members Will ballot.
 The club. by unanimous vote, adopted the resolutions proposed by the Joint council consisting of committee or the Exchange, Rotary, Civitan. Commit nity and Kiwanis clubs regarding plans TOT the ensuing year. These resolutions pro viced that no drives or campaigns would be undertaken by any of the clubs TOT causes or institutions or indorsed without first receiving the indorsement of the in' ter-club council.
 Other features of the resolutions pro vided for closer cooperation on the part of the five civic clubs and for plans py which the inter-club council might 1unc- tior to the greater advantage of all.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-12-23
STRIKER |S HELD FOR INVESTIGATION Military Looking Into Dynamit- ing of House at SearIs
 Mining Camp

white striker was being held yester- day by the military at Searles mining camp of the Alabama company, pending investigation Of the blowing up of a part of the house of a negro non-union miner at that place Tuesday evening.
 The negro was not injured the dyna- mite having been placed at corner of the kitchen ana not near the spot occu- pied by the miner. The corner of the building was torn away, and the entire camp aroused by the report of the ex- plosion.
 No charge had been lodged against the man held for investigation up to last night, but he was ordered held until he could clear his skirts. His name was withheld.
 This is the second dynamite outrage com- mttted on non-union employees of the Ala bama company in week. About week ago the home of a negro non-union miner named Lawler, at Reagan, near Lewis burg, was blown up with dynamite, his wife being killed and he was injured
 The negro owned his own home. He had been a union miner, but had quit the union and returned to work. Threats were followed by the dynamiting and the death of his wife.
 In addition to the military the law en- forcement department of the state, under C. w Austin is now in the strike zone for the purpose of preventing picketing and dynamiting and running down the offenders. They are also on the heels of the perpetrators of the Searles outrage.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-12-23
PEANUT PRODUCTS MEN ARE INDICTED
Grand Jury Charges Embezzle- ment of $25OOO-Bond Is
 S5OOO Each

Following the return of indictments by the Jefferson county grand jury charging them with embedding about s25. GOO in connection with their al legged activities as officers of the Pea nut Products corporation, Felix Tar rant and George D. Pollock were placed under s5,0o0 pond each yester day.
 They were also placed under $2,oo0 bonds on indictments charging viola tion of the blue sky" law.
 This corporation was placed in the hands of a receiver several months ago, following application of the stockhold- CTS for the appointming of receiver in the chancery division of the circuit court.
 In the indictments charging em- bezzlement there are e'sht counts which variously charge the men as of ficers of the Peanut Products corpora ton each "embez;<ed or fraudulently converted to his own use or to the use of another, money to the amount of about s25.000 which was in his posses sion as such officer, or fraudulently seereted it with intent to convert it to his own use or the use of another"
 Both Tarrant and Pollock were in- dicted on charges of violating the blue sky' statute. each indictment containing SO counts. These indict- ments charge that these men "did sell or offer for sale in this state by means of an advertisement, circular or prospectus or by other forms of pub lie offering, speculative securities con- sisting of certificates or capital stock of the Peanut Products corporation without having first had same filed with the state superintendent and ap- proved by him or obtaining permit as required by law
 The value of the securities offered. 1t was charged. depended on proposed or promised future development of the corporation and that the law had been violated by them in failing to file with the state superintendent of banks a statement showing in detail the assets and liabilities of the concern and with out having filed statement of all in . formation in their possession as promoters of the tion and the plans upon which said business was ! to be conducted.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-12-23
POSSE IS HUNTING
 ALLEGED SLAYER
Webster, Accused of Killing HartsfieId, Is Still at
 Large

Rewards totaling s50o are being offered by the citizens and police authorities of Shelby county for the capture of George R. Webster, alleged slayer of John F, Hartsfield, a lumberman. of Chelsea, Ala. whose throat was slashed by a knife Tuesday afternoon in an argument over an old oil tank.
 The dead 1umberman was a cousin of Chris Hartsfield sheriff of Jefferson county. Webster, who is being sought on a charge of murder, was employed by Hartsfield as a fireman in his saw mill near Chelsea.
 Sheriff Hartsfield was notified late Tuesday afternoon of the death of his cousin, and he left immediately with dogs to help the sheriff of Shelby county trail Webster However no trace of the alleged slayer has been found as yet, it is reported.
 Sheriff Hartsfed stated yesterday that his cousin was killed because Webster wanted an old oil tank which had been captured in a raid on still several weeks ago. The tank had been kept in Hartsfields store, but Tuesday afternoon was taken out in the street by someone, Sheriff Hartsfield stated
 Webster declared he would kill any one who attempted to remove the tank, said Sheriff Harisfield and later when my cousin went out to pick up the tank Webster made a lunge at him with a knife and slashed his throat.
 Hartsfield was married and is sur viyed by his widow and eight children Funeral services will be held from the residence today at noon. Webster is married and has family of seven ch;,- dren. He had been employed by Harts- field as fireman in the saw mill for about four years.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-12-23

"The law will need amendment no doubt" he said. "as it's. defects become apparent by application. but generally speaking the law has given encourage ment to railroads all over the country.
 Under the law railroads are entitled to per cent return on their invest ment. This has not been possible dur ing the present year. In October the southeastern group of railroads. com prising all lines east of the Mississippi and south of the ~Ohio and Potomac rivers, earned but 3.1 per cent; the east ern group, AZ per cent, and the west ern group 55 per cent, or a general av- craze for the entire country of 4.9 per cent. This was despite the general freight and passenger advances on in- terstate haulage granted by the com mission lates1n August
 One unavoidable result of this low return is that railroads have been hand icaped financially in making needed re- pairs and extensions and replacing old and worn-out rolling stock.
 COOPERATION
 \ Cooperation in all branches of rail- road endeavor has been the only possi- ble answer to the problem. All cars have been utilized and loaded to max itnum capacity;3 there has been more rapid haulage and quicker turnover at mlndlSs OperaIlnS expenses nave been cut to the bone. and the net result of it all has been that the roads have been able to carry on their business in a way which is highly satisfactory, all things considered"
 When MT. Winburns attention was called to a recent statement of Presi- dent Louis w. Hill of the Great North ern. that the railroads of the country are sin the most prosperous condition in many years, he said:
 SECTIONAL
 That may be true of that group of western railroads of which Mr. Hill is a representative. The western roads earned in October, 24 per cent more than, the southern group. The greater part of the 1920 grain crop was mar keted soon after harvest, while the southeastern group, which depends cotton crop, have not done a normal business because the crop has beer withheld. Mr. Hill is quite right, nc doubt when he speaks sectionally and not nationally.
 T repeat again that economy. ndi- vidual adjustment to changing condi- tions, business foresight, releasing and marketing the present cotton in stor- age. payment of outstanding farm ob- legations, and laying the base for a re- newed and extended credit are the es- sentials of the present situation in the southeast"
 MT. Winburn left late in the after noon in his private car. continuing his tour of inspection. M
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-12-23
Jefferson County Bank
 Deal Conclusion Put or

While the transaction for the Hur- chase of the Jefferson County Bank building entered into some time 4go with New Jersey interests will propa- bly not be consummated by January |, as original plans provided for, the re maining necessary details will be ar ranged with all possible dispatch"
 This statement was made last night by Clarence A. Seaman of Newark, N. h., representing the Realty Improve ment company of that city who, with him and associates are the purchas1s of the property.
 MT. Seaman had been in Birm.ng- ham several days during the past week ir consultation and conference with To- cal parties connected with the deal. The price agreed on for the property was around $1,5O0.000. Part payment was made, and time was allowed for Iconsummaton of the transaction MT. Seaman expects to close the deal s' on after the beginning of the year.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-12-23
PRONOUNCED REDUCTION

The most pronounced price reduction in the metal trades has been made by the water and gas pipe makers. A recent schedule of $70 and $74 has been reduced to the following:
 Water pipe, $55 for siX-inch sizes and upwards and $50 for four-inch sizes
 Gas pipe, add $4 to the price of water pipe of the same bore.
 The water and gas pipe plants will shut down for the holidays. The four plants of the United States Pipe at Bir- mingham4 Bessemer, Anniston and Chat tanooga will all suspend for the rest of the year, and the National Pipe will also close down for the same period.
 RESUME JANUARY
 Resumption will ensue after January |, the big United States pine plants resum- ing one after another according to status O. business. It is believed the pipe trade will take on considerable activity as soon as the price reductions have been real zed There can be no further reduction unless pig iron goes considerably below $Ss That is not generally expected,
 The Sloss-Sheffield Steel and Iron com pany will close down two of it's blast fur naces between now and the first of the year leaving two on the active list. One of the idle stacks will be at Florence and the other in Birmingham.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-12-23

mated return Tor l3zl SnoWS ldir return on the property.
 '"rhe receiver filed the petition an requested an increase on the ground that he was facing an emergency sit uation. This emergency, he elaine Il. existed because of his inability to pay his bills. or lack of cash The receiver inherited a great amount of unpaid bills, and a great amount of the eX- penditures incurred has been for capi- tai investment. This situation was presented to the public service conn mission as an emergency situation.
 "Tt was our contention that the re- turns to the receiver since he was app pointed had been sufficient to prop erly carry on the utility, and that funds for capital investment should be furnished by those who control the property and not be paid by the peo- pie in increased fares.
 '"The question as to whether or not an emergency existed and whether or not an increase in car fare was neces- sary. was for the public service cons mission to decide. We requested that in case an increase should be granted. that the same be temporary and suh- ;ect to review and reduction as soon as practic ble."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-12-23

The company has a total holding of 6S acres, but the plant site proper will cover the 45 acres that are graded and prepared for the several buildings that ore to be constructed.
 The new plant Is to take the place Of the two plants now in operation at East Birmingham and Avondale, and will have a larger capacity than that of the two present factories combined When the new plant is in operation the intention is to dismantle the other two
 Some idea of the size of the buildings to constitute the plant may be gathered from the contracts that have been let for two of them H. K. Ferguson company, Euclid avenue, Cleveland. O., have been awarded the contract for erecting ma chine shop 100x300 feet and foundry
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-12-23

With regard to the consummation of the purchase of the Jefferson County bank property and the maturing of his plans pertaining to a large financial Institution embracing real estate mort gage service, MT. Seaman said:
 While it is possible, yet we do 10. expect to be able to consummate the transaction by January l. as was orig inally contemplated. l quite appreciate the position of the various interests in- volved, am greatly impressed with the assurances of cooperation on every hand, and assure you that we shall en- deavor to arrange the remaining de- tails with all possible dispatch" Questioned as to his opinion of gem eral industrial and financial conoi- tions. Mir. Seaman said:
 q feel more optimistic than l have
 been able to feel for many months. The transition period should prove as short as it has been painful"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-12-23
ADAMSON BANQUET

The Silent Partner in Business will be the subject of an address by Dr. George R. Stuart pastor of First Meth odist church. following the annual ban quet rendered to employees by the Adam son Motor company, at o'clock tomor- row evening at the Tutwiler hotel.
 Reese Adamson president of the com pany, has been informed that Dr. Stuart will deal both with the relationship oi christianity and religion to business and the wider field, which embraces the things to be done and not to be done by business itself for it's own best interests
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-12-23
CONN UNITY SING

At the community sing next Sunday. the orchestra will be seated in grove of snow-covered pines, within hearing distance of the cathedral chimes, organ and choir.
 This is the setting Gordon Erickson has arranged for the programme. in- eluding Beethoven "Egmont Overture. 'Omnipotence, by Schubert: halIelujah chorus from the Messiah. and groups of Christmas carols for the audience.
 Miss Evelyn Going will be the soloIst in "cantiqre de Noel by Adams.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-12-23
FIRST LOT BOUGHT

One lot of the eight which make up the site for the new municipal audi torium has been purchased, according to an announcement by Fred c. Moore, city attorney. The lot was owned by W. A. Porter of Allenville, Ala, and Mrs. E. J. Church of New York
 Negotiations. for the other blocks of land are now under way in the legal department and will shortly be com pleted, it is believed
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-12-23

1S2x4OO feet. Other buildings will be in proportion.
 The Continental Gin company ships it's products, cotton ginning machinery, all over the world The Munger cotton gin Is as well known in the Egyptian. Indian and Brazilian cotton belts as 1t is in this country.
 WORLD BUSINESS
 The company was organized in 1899 and took over the plants of the Daniel Pratt company at Prattvile; Munger company of Dallas, Tex; Northington-M Munger Pratt company, East Birmingham; Smith Sons Gin and Machine company. Avon- dale; the Winship Machine company. Att lanta, and the Eagle Cotton Gin company, Rridgewater, Mass. and has operated them since that time. S. I. Munger is president, R. S. Nun ger, vice president, and A. w. Smith. treasurer
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-12-23
POSITIVE CASE

One dog head, which, tested, showed positive rabies. was examined in the city laboratory yesterday.
 The dog bit two persons who are now taking the Pasteur treatment. They are Evelyn Price of 2510 Twenty second avenue. north, and Frances Holmes of 2205 Huntsville avenue.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-12-23
AT COUNTRY CLUB

The dance which was to be held at the residence of Mrs. P. G. Shook. 112O Cres- cent avenue, tonight at o'clock will be held at the Country club on account Of the illness of Mrs. Shook Mir Shook stated that she was not dangerously III. hut was suffering from an attack of influenza
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-12-23
INSURES EMPL0YES

The Hill Grocery company announces the covering of all of their employees in their fl Birmingham stores with life in- eurance policies for $500 each, increas- ing annually to s1,ooo, this policy belne taken through the Jemison-Seibels 1nsur- ance agency with the Travellers of Hart ford
 J. B. Hill. president of the Hill stores states that the premium is to be paid py 4he firm, the policies being presented te The employees as Christmas present.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-12-23
Do Not Burden Next
 Years Cotton Market
 With I92O's HoLdouer
President Winburn of Central of Georgia Railway, Here Yesterday, Advises Getting Farm Products Market and Out of the Way of Next
 Years New Conditions
By F.. H. POLK

In order promote better condition, timber up credits and establish basis for financial aid year if it needed the southern producer both grain market his produce and hold according Wmburn of the Central of Georgia railroad who hours In Birmingham yesterday conerring with company cals and attending to considerable local business
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-12-23
NEW COMPANY STARTS

Papers of incorporation were filed in the probate court yesterday by the Ideal Electro Plating company, with an au- thorized capital stock of 5000 The or fcers are simon B. Steiner. president and secretary; Retta l.. Steiner vice presl- dent, and H. G. Waterman, treasurer
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-12-23
Continental Gin Company
 To Build Great Plant At
 Acipco--- Work Starts NoW
Contracts for Some of Buildings Are Awarded-Wll Later Dispose of Old Plants at Avondae and East Birming gham-Shops and Foundry
 First to Be Erected

purpose of concentrating and enlargng it's operations Birmingham district, the Continental Gin IS grading the shops of the American Cast Iron Pipe preparation for the erection of large fac tory for the manufacture of cotton gins.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-12-23
.FOUNDR|ES PREPARE ID DELIVER OUTPUT
 WITH COMING YEAR
Customers Calling for Sus- pended Shipment Deliveries. Pronounced Lowering in
 Price of Pipe

One iron concern, which, like the rest of them, had re- ceived an order suspending shipments of the metal or dered, has been advised by several customers that they are prepared to. receive the iron after January 1.
 This indicated that number of foun- dries that have been slowing down re- cehtly expect to make new start on the first of the year. In some instances these foundries have accepted work on Ia new scale of price for their product, and while prospective profits are not to be as great. they will be able to operate on a fair margin and keep their forces in- fDp
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-12-23
EVENTS OF TODAY
 IN BIRMINGHAM
Statement to Comptr tCondensed)
ss4.44s.s72.oo

Shop Early.
 Realty board luncheon, southern club o'clock.
 ADJUSTMENTS Lyric-<eith vaudeville and pictures. Locw's Bijou-Vaudevilie and pie lures.
 Alcaxar--BilIie Rhodes, in "His i'aja- gea GirI.-
 Trianon--Mack Sennctts comedy, sLovc. honor and Behave" Strand-Mac Murray and David Pc V ell, in '.Ihc Right to Love-" Gaiax--Louis Sergeant in 'The Soul of Youth"
 HiaIto--Constance Talmadgc in "A t1rtuous Vnmp."
 Princess-Harold Lloyd comedy and sBride I3.''
 Odeon--iipisodes 2 and of "The Mystery of 13..
 Shop Early.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-12-23
SEVEN CENT CAR FARE
 EFFECTIVE JANUARY I
City Poweress Prevent, Says Commissoner-Wlll Cost 21 Cents to Reach Bessemer by Electric Car-Brown
 Saws Company Not Entitled to the Advance

Beginning January Birmingham people will be payng cents for their street car rides.
 An increase charged street car fares rngs p the fare considerably line, where the people will pay 21 cents to ride to Birmingham
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-12-23
INTERPRETERS DANCE

The Interfraters' club will give am ner dance in the ballroom of the Tut wiler hotel this evening The hours are from D. rn to o'clock a. m.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-12-23
CAN'T BLAME HIM

SAN l DLA M k HIM
 Tn way, the cotton grower cannot be blamed for holding back his seasons crop for better market His land was prepared and cultivated with high priced labor, fertilized with high priced fertilizer, and his entire. business car ried through on the prospect of a 49- cent market this season. Facing as he does 61s cent market, with certain loss if he sells, he very naturally is holding back for at least compromise.
 The cotton crop this year was the greatest in some time. and 1t is a mooted question among those familiar with the cotton market whether the turning loose of this immense quan- tity, now held in storage, will not further depress the market.
 "One fnct, however, seems cer-
 tain The textile mills are not run
 ming at full capacity, which is
 traeenbIe to light demand for cot
 ton goods. When this reserve cot
 ton is put on the market, the mills
 will be unable to spin 1t and the
 surplus necessarily will he carried
 over. The result. very likely. will
 De to depress the new crop. and as
 credits have practically been with
 drawn, the situation is one that
 calls Tor remedial action. My idea
 is that the crop now held in reserve
 should be marketed with as little
 loss as possible, but marketed.
 When the farmer sells and pays his bills and re-establishes his credit. big step toward economic readjustment has been taken. In planning for the com ing crop, the cotton grower, and the grain farmer of the south as well. will have to adjust himself to the condi- tions of 1921, which will be wholly diff ferent from those of the past season Economy and retrenchment along all lines will be necessary. The high wave of prosperity for the cotton grower which in the past few years has car ried him to unheard of margins of profit is bound to recede It Is a con dition that must be recognized and for which due preparation must be made
 CUMMINS- -ESCH BILL
 Mir. Winburn believes the Cummins- Esch railroad bill is one of the greatest measures of constructive Legislation ever passed by Congress.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-12-23
BROWNS STATEMENT

We opposed the increase in street
 car fares on the ground that the com
 pany is not entitled to the same as
 a matter of right The return In rev enue from the 6-cent fare since the same was .naugurated and the esti-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-12-23

"i see nothing unsound in the present situation, said Mir. Win D"rn. "one season of economic de- pression cannot permanently hurt this great country with it's bound- less resources; neither can we ex- pect to return in ono year to condi- tions as we knew them before the war. The trend to normal will be slow but certain.