davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-11-30
MRS. CUFFS HELD ON MURDER CHARGE IN SHEPARD POISONING
Arrest of Prominent Georgia Society Woman Is Fourth as Result of Decision of
 Coroner's Jury
Rx Associnted Press

Macon, November 2S.--Mrs. Annie E. Cutts, socially prominent in Abbeville and Fitxgerland. was arrested late to- warrant charging murder in connection with the death last June of Fred D. Shepard. wealthy Houston county peach grower. The arrest of Mrs CuttB was the fourth as the result of verdict by a coroner's jury at Fort Valley Satur- day that She epard's death was caused by poison.
 Others now being held on charges of murder are Mrs. F. E. Elmer of Jack sonviiie, Fla. former wife of Shepard; :; Mrs. lone Henry of Perry. Ga, sister of Mrs. Elmer. and Ernest Hopson. son of Mrs. Elmer by a former marriage. Shepard, who died in hospital in thia city. was taken violently i'll three days before his death, while visiting with his wife at the home of Mrs. Henfy.
 Solicitor Garrett made no statement, concerning the arrest of Mrs. Cutts. She formerly resided in Abbeville, the former home of Mrs. Pauline Hopson before her marriage to Shepard. and, according to the authorities, was an in innate friend of Mrs. Elmer. Mrs. Cutts arrived at the Bibb county jail here from fltzSeTdlQ Dy autOIhOplie tonight. Dc- sides the officers, she was accompanied by her husband. who is an attorney.
 Dr. F. E. Elmer's arrival here this morning and his effort to evade news paper men and the events in which he figured after his arrival were impor- tant features of the days developments.
 HEARING DECEMBER
 Dr. Elmer employed Former Brigadier General Walter A. Harris of this city as his leading counsel. petition for bail for Mrs. Elmer was presented to Judge Mathews of Bibb superior court early tonight The petition followed the usual lines and charged that the state had not produced any evidence of guilt. An immediate hearing was asked, but Jugde Mathews set the case for hear ing on December z. Judge John P. Ross, representing the interests of Mrs. lone Henry and Ernest Hopson, also asked that bail be fixed for his clients This case also was set for hearing on Decebmer z.
 State Tax Agent J. Y. Roberts, who of Governor Dorsey. entered into con- ferences with attorneys representing the Crandall and Shepard interests to- day. Mir. Roberts said the state would endeavor to collect s176,0o0 back taxes on personal property of Alfred Shepard, the father of Fred D. Shepard. covering period of seven years. He charged that the elder Shepard had placed loans in Is states of the union, giving Geor- gia as his residence. and on this per- sonal property, he declared. the state has been unable to find where a cent in taxes has been paid. The conferences which will be resumed tomorrow will attempt to fix the liability of the Sheperd estate, Mir. Roberts said No attachments on property had been is- sued up to late tonight
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-11-30
RAILROAD BE GINS MANDAMUS AGAINST
 HEAD OF TREASURY
Seek to Compel Payment of |. c. C. Certificate Calling for Half Million Dollars Due
 Under Guaranty Act
By Associated Pres,

Washington, November 29.AManda- mus proceedings against the Secretary of the Treasury were instituted today in the District of Columbia supreme court by the Grand Trunk Western Railway company to require payment of an interstate commerce commission certificate calling for s5oo0oo as due the road, under the guaranty provisions of the transportation act.
 Justice Mccoy issued an order, re- turnable December '. requiring Secre- tary Houston to show cause why the writ should not be granted While the Grand Trunk company is the only petit tioner in the case, approximately $4oo,- 100000 claimed by the railroads is in- volved in the litigation, according to a statement issued tonight by the Asso- ctation of Railway executives.
 ~This proceeding grew out of the opinion rendered October by the comptroller of the treasury" the state ment said, which opinion the comptrol- Ter of the treasury held that partial payments could not be made by the Secretary of the Treasury to a carrier in advance of final settlement.
 "The comptroller took the position that the interstate commerce commits sion wa4 Empowered to Issue only one certificate to each carrier, which cer- tificate must be for the full amount of the final settlement.
 While in this proceeding the Grand Trunk Railway company is the only pe- titioner, yet the result of the decision rendered in this case will involve the payment of approximately s400, ,00o, 900 now due to railroads of this country
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-11-30
Gist Of the News
GENERAL.

 Besin inquiry into &62.e0o,eoO New York city contracts. Legal fight marks opening of Arm stein trial. Alabama clashes with Mexico even thi. side of border. Alabama woman. %, takes job ms re- porter in Ncw Orleans. Railroad issue again threatens to sweep nation. No change in financial world; cotton trading less nctive.
 STATE. Chairman and officers of DnIlas Tu- berculoslr nssoeiation named. Smallpox Is raging throughout Ice county.
 TnImadxe suit enters second week at Selma.
 Fitzpatrick captive of reds. relatives officially informed. Masons open annual meeting mt Montgomery.
 Ken scott to coach Alabama for two more years.
 LOCAL County employees to be appointed Try board today-mnybe. Blast furnaces which have been idle are being stnrtcA agnin. City's special engineer in favor of htGheR water rate. HisAwsymen pick McHenry as daily victim yesterday. Organization of cavalry troops h we'll under way. VIII rehenr Pullman case-car prior ity order ends.
 Receiver asks for 7-cent car fnre iR Birmingham.
 Nanny strsasn speaks tonight at Temple Enanu-EL
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-11-30
Complete Arrangements For
 Transfer Of Port Property

pointed several days ago to study the needs of the port of Mobile and make recommendations to the chamber of commerce will meet during the present week to go over data now being com piled for the use of that body. This an officials of the commercial organizations who are cooperating with the commit tee in this work. The meeting will be held just as soon as the work of getting the statistics and information together has been completed, 1t was stated. all though the day has not as yet been des- ignated.
 In the mass of data being compiled upon local terminal needs is consider able information on the Arlington docks project. which is to be gone over with tho intention of making some recommends tiOn regarding the immediate completion of the terminalA x@
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-11-30

Mobile, November 2s.-tSpecial)-Ar- rangements for the formal transfer of the Port of Birmingham property to the government under a lease were completed here today at conference between w. B. Allen of Birmingham. representing the stockholders in the company. and army engineers stationed at Mobile. Mir. Allen spent the entire day with the engineers
 The matters which are to be determined at the meeting tomorrow are the ex- act property the government desires to take over for operation, the rate of in- terest to be paid upon the investment and the amount to be allowed for depre- citation. While the terminal is now be- ing operated by the government as part of the MisazAippi- Warrior systenl the formal transfer has not as yet been made.
 Members of thA spscial committee ap.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-11-30
FORMIDABLE FRENCH SQUADRON IS SPEEDING TO GREEK WATERS
BREAD AND MEAT
 PRICES ARE CUT
By Associated Press

Cleveland, Ohio, November 29.-A gem eral cutting of retail meat prices, rang ing from to Il cents a pound, bringing prices nearer normal than at any time in months. was in evidence throughout the city today. Prices that have been coming down gradually for two weeks reached new low levels. Bacon was cut from 46 to B cents.
 Cleveland. Ohio, November 3.-Ths price of a 24-ounce loaf of bread was re- duced from 14 to 12 cents today by grocery company operating large mum Dor of stores here The 2-cent reduc- ton is made possible by the decline In the price of flour, 1t was announced
 Richmond, Va.. November 2.-Bread prices took G slump throughout the city today One big bakery that had been selling ls-ounce leaves for l3 cents Is now charging 10 cents for them. Other baker, les have also reduced prices of bread and are selling three dozen rolls for 2a cents,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-11-30
" WILLIAMS CHARGED WITH KILLING IN
 MARINE INQUIRY Witness Testifies That His Father Was Beaten to Death By Sergeant Without
 Explanation
By Asssei.ted Press

-
 Port au Prince, Haiti. November B. zebulon Garnier Jean, student and son of Garnfer Jean, whom Dcrcas Wil- Hams, a sergeant of marines Is accused of havi-g beaten to death last year, tes- tified today before the court of inquiry Investigating the activities of American marines in Haiti. that his father had been taken from bed in which he was sleeping in his home. escorted to the gendarmerie office and killed without explanation.
 The boy declared he followed and was cyIose enough to the officer when the beating started to hear his father cry. What have done? Why are you beating mer' He testified that the beating occurred immediately after battle at Maissade, during which his home was closed against bullets.
 Although the defense against the charge was not revealed, question during cross-examination indicated that Garnier Jean was suspected of harbor- ing bandits during the battle, or else was wounded in it and went to the gen. darmerie office for medical help.
 Williams. a strapping six-footer, who sat next to the frail and aged widow of his alleged victim, muttered sharp pro- tests at part of the sons testimony ana was warned to be silent.
 The witness named. the gendarmes who called for his father and said II was by Williams order. He denied that bandits had been about his fathers house.
 Sigon Cabot, native gendarmc who previously had testified against Will Hams, was recalled for cross-examina- ton. He testified he sA.v Williams beating Garnier Jean, declaring the beating lasted two hours.
 At this point the court which was late in starting today's session, re cessed until tomorrow. when the hear. ing will be continued.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-11-30
ITALY PREPARING
 TO WRIST ISLANDS
 FROM D'ANNUNZIO
By Associated Press

London, November 2O.--A de- spatch to the London Times from Milan quotes the newspaper Secolo. ax saying that movement of reg uIar Italian troops is reported all along the armfstice line in the Ad- rfntic zone, and it is, rumored that General Cnviglin has been ordered by the Italian government to take the islands of vegiin and Arbc, which were seized by Gabricle D'AnnunxfO's legionaires and also to occupy the strip of territory near Castun, invaded by D'Annun- sio soon after the signing of the Hnpallo treaty.
 D'Annunxio, nccOrding to the de- spatch, has issued . manifesto in which he says n conflict is im- minent and thnt he and his men are rendy to fight and to die rnther than to submit to the Italian fOrcea.
 The despatch adds that excite ment is rife in Plume. where aII males from IS years to B years have been recalled to the colors.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-11-30
NITRE COCKTAILS { RAGE IN BOSTON
 SOCIETY CIRCLES
Kx Associntcd Press

Boston, November 2S.--Nitre cock tails as a substitute for the once popular Bronx have come into favor since the advent of prohibition, ac- cording to information given out to- day by William S. Briry, director of registration in the state department of drug control. He said the depart ment had noticed a tremendous in- crease of the sale of sweet spirits of nitre and had found that the drug was being used as a substitute for liquor among the better classes
 He called attention to the danger in the practice, as he says the drug contains alcohol, sodium nitrate and sulphuric acid, which is solvent of metals.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-11-30
RAIL LAbORBOARD
 WARNED BY STONE MUST HAVE ACTION
Leaders to Cease Efforts to Hold Rail Men In Check Un- less Plan to Adjust Differ
 ences Is Found
Hy Associated Press

Chicago, November 29.-War aing that the ''ultra-conservative" leaders of the railroad brothernoods would cease their efforts to hold their men in check unless some plan to adjust differences between roads and em- ployes is found, was delivered to tho United States Railway Labor board to- day by Warren S. Stone, Cleveland. grand chief of the brotherhood of rRil- Fway engineers.
 Appearing before tho board with of- ficials of fifteen other recognized ail- way unions, MT. Stone announced that after being classed for seventeen years as an ultra-conservative. have arr rived at the point where I am through making excuses to the men,"
 ~There must be some plan found somewhere. some place, whereby we can get results for these men, Mr. Stone continued. "The locomotive en- gfneers have carried the load of re- sponsibility for years We nave fried to embody your boards decision of last July in agreements which 35s rail- roads, but only four of these agree ments have been signed. The roads refuse to sign them unless the board passes upon the question of rules"
 The decision last July raised railroad wages $500. .o0o. 900.
 ASK FOR HEARING
 With MT. Stone appeared officials of the other employees organizations sek- ing that the board hold hearing to decide on the creation of national boards of adjustment which would hear and pass on controversies other than wage disputes. The matter has been pending for some time. due to the fact that adjustment boards created under United States government control Lsve no Jurisdiction over disputes since tfe roads passed to private control. As a result of the officials declaration this afternoon the board agreed to an immediate executive hearing on the re- quest, and if it is decided to comply. an early hearing will be set.
 A motion, passed unanimously by 1he executive committee of the sixteen cm- ployes' organizations was read by E. H. Fitzgerald of the brotherhood of rail- way and steamship clerks, express and station employees. The motion resolves to submit an ex parte statement of dis putes with railroads of the matter of creation. of national boards of adjust mont and asked for immediate hear ing. MT. Fitzgerald told the board that the situation was urgent.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-11-30
SAYS ID PER CENT
 $7,0OO,OO0 REPAIR
 BILLS WAS 4GRAFT
Lack of Inspection, 0vercharge and Unnecessary Repairs Given as Means By Which
 Graft Made Possible
By Associated Press

New York, November 2s-Testimony hat 10 per cent of the s7,Ooo0O0 repair bills in the south Atlantic district was graft was given here today to the Walsh congressional committee examin- ing into shipping board affairs. The al- legation was made by Charles Banzapf, travelling auditor of the board out of New York. It was contained in let ter written by the witness to the gen. eral comptroller of the board last July, read here today by Chairman Walsh. and identified by the witness.
 Means by which the alleged graft" was made possible, the witness testified, included lack of inspections, failure to check repair work, overcharges for ma terials, labor. and unnecessary repairs.
 He cited an instance of a repair engi- neer who, he said, had sat in pilot house and approved repair bills amount looking at the work" He declared in- YEspectors had been told that ''costs" were none of their business and that there was spirit of make, rather than cut down, repair work.
 MENTIONS GERMAN SHIPS
 Two of the former German ships were brought into the inquiry for the first time by Banzapf. He asserted he had been instructed to check up bills for the reconditioning of the former German liner Hamberg, now the New Rochelle
 This ship was sold on a charter pur-- chase contract to the Baltic Steamship corporation. The sale price, he under ' stood, was approximately s9S5,0O0 and the shipping board had advanced for the re- conditioning of the ship about $400,uN The bill of repairs for this ship, he added, was about $1.500000, which an audit or accounts reduced approximately SSs.o0' The discrepancy between the sale prico of the ship and the cost of recondi- tioning he said he could not explain without the contract of sale, which nc did not have with him.
 The contract for the recondidoning, he said, was awerded to the Morgan Engi- neering company of Jersey City. He also testified the steamer Mercury, formerly the Barbarosa, was taken to the samo yard for reconditioniq but after $l75,oW had been expended l!ork was stopped because of lack of funds.
 Up to six or seven months ago, he con tinued, repair work in New York yards, generaily speaking, showed many irregu- ~farities, including charging of hundreos '1of hours that were not rendered, excess of class labor, excess in materials and other abuses. He added that under the existing managing operating agreements
 (Contfnued on Page Fourteen)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-11-30
HUGE PLOT TO SMUGGLE OPIUM INTO U. s. FOUND;
 IS CHINESE ARRESTED
By Associated Prese

Norfolk, Va, November 29.-Whnt customs officials believe to be plot of enormous proportions to smuRgle opium into the United States was interrupted here when custom officials arrested f5 Chfn- exe seamen with between 1,5OO and S.0oo pounds of the drug in thear possessi0n. Nine of the Chinese were arrested as they were lcav- inx the Britfsh steamer Elmyr Heath, and the other stx were ap- prehneaed with the drug in trunks and hand baggage as they were about to board . train for New York.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-11-30
20 PER CENT CUT IN WOMEN'S CLOTHING IS
 ANNOUNCED BY MAKERS
ny AasocIated Prees

Cleveland, November 2o-Priee reductions averaging 20 per cent in women's clothing were an- nounced nt the opening tcAay of the style show of the Cleveland Garment Manufaeturers' associa- ton, composed of 4S manufac- turers of vwomen's garnents. nuy- CTS from all parts of the country were arriving to attend the exhihat of spring and sunDef stylen, wAieh win esntinne thFeugh Ihnrsaays
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-11-30
CHARGED WITH MURDER

Liverpool November 29.---A young man, who declined to give his name, but said he was a Sim Feiner and a 3atiye of Dublin. was arraigned in the police court here this morning on a charge of murder in connection with the cotton warehouse fires Saturday night. He is 2S years of age. The pol lice said that the prisoner and two other men wore discovfred near the scene of one of the firee acting in a suspicious manner. The three men tried to escape when the police accosted them, and the man under arrest Is ac- cused of having fired at the officers. His bullet went astray and killed a civilian.
 It Is charged by the police that tho man under arrest had in his posses. sion plans of the premises in which fires occurred. He was remanded to prison for one week. 7e
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-11-30
Pan Lose One Seat
By Associnted Pres.

vienna, November 2s.-Returns from yesterdays election for the bundesrath indicate the election of p Christian so- cialists. 21 socialists and Pan-Germans. The Pan-Germans lost one seat to the socialists.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-11-30
Want No Inaugural Ball

Knoxville. Tenn, November s.-In resolution unanimously adopted today by the ministers of the Methodist Episcopa, church. south, President-elect Harding vas requested to not to permit the in- augural ball incident to his inauguration
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-11-30
Negotiations Declared Informal

Sacramento. Cal, November 2s.-Sec- retary of State Colby telegraphed today to Gov. W. D. Stephens that treaty negotiations with Japan are informal and tentative and have not as yet reached the point of submission and of formal consideration" The dispatch replied to the protest of the Japanese Exclusion league of California against provisions in the treaty that would conflict with the anti-alien land law of California
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-11-30
FIND NEW PLOTS

Standard says the latest Sim Fein plot contemplates the burning of houses and other property in England belonging to "black and tans." who are serving in Ireland. The newspaper asserts that the details of the alleged plot came into the possession of the authorities as the result of raid on the Irish mails.
 The Standard says that not only have cabinet ministers received letters threatening them with personal vio- Hence, but that threats are now being made against members of their families.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-11-30
Physician and Druggist Indicted

Chattanooga. Tenn. November 2e.- pr. A. W. Boyd, practicing physician and R. J. Miller, druggist. were in- dicted by the federal grand jury to- day for violation of the Harrison nar- cotic law. s@
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-11-30
RAIDS CONTINUE

Dublin. November 29.--Raids and arr rests continued in Dublin today. Among the persons taken into custody was William Sears, Sim Fein member of
 (Continued on Page F0urteen)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-11-30
FORMER KING IS
 READY ID RETURN
 ON HOURS NOTICE
French BattIeships, Cruisers and Torpedo Boats Being Rushed to Pierasos Be-
 fore PIebiscite Date
By Associated Prcaa

Toulon, France, November 29. - The French battleship Lorraine left here for Pieraeus, Greece, today. The cruiser Ernest Renan departed for the same destination last night, while the armored cruiser, Waldeck-Rousseau, which has been at Constantinople, arrived at Pieraeus Friday.
 One more battleship, three cruisers and several torpedo boats have been ordered to proceed to Pieraeus, and the French will have a formidable squadron in that port by December 5, the date on which the piebiscite regarding the return Of former King Constantine will be hold.
 PREPARING FOR RETURN
 Lucerne. Switzerland, November B. Former King Constantine's household is making every preparation to move a,hck- ly when the word comes from Athens. One of his secretaries said today that Constantine's baggage could be packed in two hours. for there Is a whole flock of servants.
 Constantine'r master of the stables is leaving London today for Athens to ar range details of the royal procession there through the streets of the capital. Constantine w.shes to land four miles from Athens and from this point make his entry.
 A cipher code now is being used for communication with Athens. Constant'-e- suite expects returns from the pleb Fe to justify his leaving here Tuesda Ass Wednesday of next week, unless ts decided to wait for Athens to selt deputation to ask formally the Npasf Kings return.
 NOT PRO-GERMAN, CLAN Athens, November 2s.---Fhe c press is publishing long editorials t A | ing to show that former King Cons (COnttnued From Page Fourteexa
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-11-30
COMMONS TOLD OF MURDER

London, November 2s.-Dispatches relating to the killing of 15 auxiliary police cadets near Kilmichael were read in the House of Commons by Sir Hamar Greenwood. chief secretary for Ireland. in the course of the Irish de- bate today.
 The party which ambushed the ca dets consisted of from 80 to 100 men, all dressed in khaki and wearing steel trench helmets. They fired from both sides of the road on the lorries and also directed an enfilading fire.
 By force of arms some of the cadets had been disarmed and brutally mur- dered; their bodies were rifled of all money and valuables and even cloth - ing was taken from the corpses. Arms and ammunition also were taken and the lorries burned
 The secretary thought that with Is former officers of the late war thus lying dead, the House would not wish to continue the discussion. He termed the affair challenge to Farliam ent and civilization. The subject then was dropped.