davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-03-25
CONCLUDE HEARING ONDETERM|NAT|ON
 IF RAIL VALUATION
Carriers, Security Holders and Shippers Favor In- vestment Accounts of
 Roads as Value Basis
1y AssocIated Presl

Washington, March 24.--Hearing be- fore the interstate commerce commis- sion to determine methods of railway valuation prior to adjusting rates to give the standard return under the transportation act were concluded to- cay with the representatives of the carriers. security holders and the ma jority of tine shippers favoring the in- vestment accounts of the roads as a minimum basis" of value against de- termined opposition by the state rail- road commissioners.
 Final arguments of the three day session were made by S. T. Bledsoe of Chicago and r. H. Wood of New York for the association of railway exc cutives.
 Denying the contention of the state commissioners that the accounts are not evidence of value under the law, Mir. Bledsoe declared the book ac- counts more nearly aDproximated the value than any other evidence The carriers were gratified, Wood said, that the shippers told the commis- sion they were more interested in the promotion of service and extension of transportation facilities than in exact rates. With the granting of sufficient rates. he said. the railroads could af- ford the adequate service desired
 Grouping of the railroads for the purpose of valuation and rate fixing played minor part in the hearings Carriers and shippers generally agreed that the matter was a question of the convenience of the commission. Rep resentatives of the shippers of the southwest asked for a division of the western freight classification group fo form soH1twestern group on the ground tAats.06f needs of that section require rata ndjustments apart from the whole of the west
 Northwestern shippers also asked for subdivision, but representatives from the eastern and southern groups and the body of the west favored the retention of the established classified tions for the present at least.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-03-25
NEARLY BILLION IN TAXES PAID Indicate Total Collection fer 1919 Will Reach Three
 and Half Billions
By Associated Press

Washington, March 24.-Income and ex- cess profits taxes aggrcgating $9oS829,l IF were paid as the first installment of the nations tax bill for 1919.
 While these figures do not represent an exact one-fourth of the taxes for last year, they indicate collection for the en- tire year of approximately $3,5oO.ooo, GOO. treasury officials said tonight. The first installment more than offsets outstanding treasury certificates of indebtedness. is- sued in anticipation of the payment, and leaves the treasury in a position to con- tinue it's financial programme, outlined several months ago.
 Collections for the first period of lSls were approximately S1.200. .000,00O, the re- duction this year being due to the lower ing of the normal income tax rate.
 The Second district of New York, com prising the heart of the financial section, held its place In yielding the greatest amount of revenue of all collection dis tricts, as it has for many years. Its total was s154. .506, ,ss9.
 Collections included:
 Alabama, si. i.220343.
 Arkansas, $3,972, 337.
 Florida s3,026,629
 (Continued on Page seven)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-03-25
t. O. p. LEADERS ID HASTEN ACTION ON
 PEACE RESOLUTION
No Decision on Form of Resolution, Which Will Likely Be Acted Upon
 in the House First
By A.soeIa,ss -rs..

Washington, March 24-With plans for peace declaration at standstill in the senate. republican leaders of the House conferred today on means of hastening action on the declaratory resolution at their end of the capitol.
 There was no final decision on the form of the resolution or the time of it's pres entation, but 1t was said an agreement probably would be reached within few days. Several suggested drafts are un- der consideration, all of them following in some respects the Knox resolution, which has been approved by the Senate foreign relations committee
 Various constitutional points have been raised. all of which the leaders want to meet in the draft which they finally will lay before the House. It Is ex- pected that the resolution will be put into form in the for eign affairs committee. and then will be brought up on the House GOT under special rule to expedite its adoption.
 Several causes are understood to have contributed to the decision that the House should act before the Senate, one being the absence of so many senators that mastering a quorum would be difficult. Besides. there are so many conflicting opinions among republican senators as to what the resolution should contain that it was suggested the House try It's hand and give the republican Senate leaders something substantial to work with when Senate consideration does begin.
 LEADERS CONFER E Speaker Giliett and Republican Leader Mondell of the House held long confer ence with Senator Lodge of Massachu- setts. the republican Senate leader, be- fore the plans for House action were in-
 (Continued on Page sevenl
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-03-25
SHOOTS SISTER TO RID DAUGHTERS
 OF INFLUENCE
By Associated Press
 nn

Lyons, Kas.. March 24.--At cor oner's inquest, w, II. East confessed that he shot his sister. Mrs. George Began, killed nt the brenkfnst ta- bIc at her own home here today. "tO rid her four daughters of her influence.r East stated his four nieces were being abused by their mother and said they were not being properly reared. He said he bought the revolver several days ago for the purpose of taking his Eister's life.
 Bast was arrested at the home of n neiRhbor, where he was found covered up in bed with his cloth ing and shoes on and the revolver In his pocket. He is being held without bail and will be charged with first degree murder, the county attorney announced tonight.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-03-25
FIGHTING REPORTED

London. March 24-Reports from tho frontier are to the effect that heavy fighting continues near Wesel. says ths London Times Rotterdam correspondent, Gunfire has been heard at Zevenaar. in the province of Gelderand, the same aS during the war. The German governs ment troops have dug themselves in and are endeavoring to withstand vigorous attacks by the Red army.
 According to the Telegraaf, says tho lLondon Times correspondent, all the West German workers councils were to meet Wednesday at Essen to decide con- cerning what their attitude to the sit- uation would be. From the preliminary discussions, says the Telegraaf's corre- spondent in Berlin. it looks as though it planned that the soviet councils will bs abandoned and all the socialist parties will cooperate. The same newspapef learns that a charge of high treason has been lodged against General Ludendorff, former chief commtssary of the German army and that Rear Admiral von Tro- tha, former chief of the admiralty, is under arrest near Berlin.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-03-25
HANCEV|LLE SCENE 0F S100,0OO BLAZE Fire Rages for Four Hours and Entire Town Is
 Endangered

Cullman. March N.-(Special. .)--Hance- vile. ten miles south of here, suffered fire loss of more than $1O0000 this after noon and for a time the entire town was threatened with destruction.
 Starting in the rear of an old store building. about 12:90 o'clock. the Ire burned for more than four hours. con- suming a number of the principal ware houses and several residences. The lars- est loss was the Warren Gladney ware- house, which contained s25.000 worth of cotton. which was total loss. The Hanceville hotel was also destroyed, valued at about sl5,Oo0. The telephone ex- change was an early victim to the flames and communication was cut off with the outside world. Among the prInclpal resi- dences burned were tl.e Quick. Thomas and Alfred homes.
 The fire was aided by a strong wind. which was blowing, and as the town has nc water works the citizens were prac- tically helpless. Fire equipment from Cullman was hurried to the scene. but could be of little aid because of the lack of water.
 The fre-swept area Is in what is known as 'old town" being located east of the old Louisville and Nashville Rail- road tracks.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-03-25
J. s. ID PURSUE
 HANDS-OFF POLICY
 TOWARD GERMANY
Wesel Reported Held By Red Army-Ruhr Dis trict Quiet as Govern
 ment Forces Retire
By Associated Pres,

Washington, March N The United States is understood to have decided to join with Great Britain and Italy In op- posing military action by the allied gov ernments to force preserving of order in the Ruhr valley, where the Ebert gov ernment is confronted with revolution ary movement
 Ambassador Wallace at Paris, it was said today had been informed of this governments position.
 Secretary Baker said today no report as to the presence of German troops in the neutral zone on the right bank of the Rhine river had been communicated to the war department by Major General Allen, commanding the American forces in Germany
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-03-25
FRIENDS AND FOES 0F SUFFRAGE CLAIM
 GAINS IN DELAWARE
Ratification Resolution In- tr0duced in Both Houses and Real Fight for
 Passage Is On
sv Associated prs..

Dover, Del, March 24.-Friends and foes of woman suffrage both claimed points in today's preliminary skir- mishes in the legislature to make Deia- ware the thirty-sixth state needed for of the equal suffrage amendment to the federal constitution.
 Introduction today of ratification res olutions in both senate and house opened the actual struggle Plans to delay final vote until next week were made by the suffragists while the op- ponents pressed for action on friday.
 Both sides continued confident of the outcome and veteran suffragist campaigners said the fight transcends that experienced in any other state.
 (Con;inued on Page seven.)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-03-25
By AssecIatsd Prsss

Hays, Kan, March A.-The Fort Hays Normal school is in tho grip of what professors describe as q ystsl- dent soviet" whose principal occupa- tion Is throwing professors Into the lake on the college campus, accord ing to Prof. P. Casper Harvey. To- day he telegraphed state authorities at Topeka for protection, and R. J. Hopkins. attorney general, has d. rected the county attorney to prose cute all persons responsible for the disorders.
 The trouble began, 1t is said, when President w. A. Lewis of the school left a few days ago on business. De- parting. he suggested half-holiday. on which men students could build running track.
 Girl students were to prepare a meal. At pep" meeting, 1t Is re- ported, a woman suggested in fun that girls who did not help should be ducked in the lake.
 On Monday an announcement was posted that "all persons, including the faculty, would be tucked if they failed to report for duty at 1 D. m. Tuesday. March 23."
 John Lindquist, editor of the col lege newspaper. was the first victim. He was taken from the college H. brary, and although he cannot swim.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-03-25
U. s. ARMS FOR
 ARMENIA URGED
Dispatch of American Ma rines to Protect U. 5. In- terests Recommended
Bx Assoolatsd Prsss

Washington, March 24.-A recommenda- tion that the United States government supply to the new republic of Armenia sufficient arms and ammunition ito equip stable Armenian army" was made today by Senate subcommittee, which has conducted an exhaustive investiga- tion of conditions in the near east.
 Dispatch of American marines to pro- tect American interests along the raii- way from Batoum to Baku also was recommended by the subcommittee, of which Senator Harding, republican, Ohio, Is chairman.
 The report probably will be taken up by the foreign relations committee next week.
 The subcommittee hearings" the re- port said. clearly establish the truth of the reported atrocities and massacres from which these unfortunate people have suffered and impress us deeply that de- plorable conditions of insecurity and starvation exist in Armenia today.
 Your committee recommends suit able resolution of the Senate congratu- 1ating the people of Armenia on the recognition by the peace council of the independence of the republic of Armenia. without prejudice to territorial boundaries involved. and said resolution might well express our hope for early stability and the full realization of Armenian aspira- tions to nationality
 ''It Is further recommended that the executive branch of the United States government dispatch a warship and q force of marines to the port of Batourn. with Instructions to land the marines to protect American lives and property at that port and along the railway line to Baku.
 '-The committee further recommends the passage of the necessary legislatiop by Congress to authorize and direct the Secretary of War to furnish to the eov- ernmtnt of Armenia arms and amnuni- ton to equip stable Armenian army to maintain tranquility and protect the lives and property of the citizens of the Ar menian republic"
 Besides Senator Harding. the members of the subcommittee were Senators New, republican. Indiana. and Williams demo- crat. Nississippi.
 mo veport was unanimoua.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-03-25
Pink BoH Worm, Aided By Moth,
 MUades Senate
By A.soeiat.d Prsss

Washington. March 24.-The pink boil worm. aided and abetted by the gypsy and brown tail moth, invaded the Senate today and brought on an epidemic of oratorg.
 A casual remark by Senator Thomas, democrat. Colorado. during considera- tion of the item of $902 900 for the bu- reau of entomology to combat insect pests, started the flow. The agricul- ture committee had added $102 GOO to the House provisions and when Sena- tor Pomerene. democrat. Ohio, sought to make the total $io0000 because of the gypsy moth menace, Senator Thomas interjected a statement that they are raising monuments to the boil weevil down in Alabama.
 Senator Smith, democrat. South Carolina. promptly arraigned the att titude of senators who opposed aid to farmers. There was little the gov ernment could do to aid the farm labor situation, they said. and Sen ator Smith said it was not becoming in senators who enjoyed their three meals day to make joke" of tho agricultural bill.
 Senator Sheppard, democrat. Texas. said the pink boil worm in Texas and Louisiana threatened destruction of a large part of the coming cotton crop and he proposed later to offer an amendment to recompense growers for crops destroyed in the fight
 In the end. Senator Pomerene's amendment was voted down and the eommittae's dyures accepted.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-03-25
1873 EARNINGS 0F
 U. s. STEEL GIVEN Aggregate S152,29O,6 ,639, a Decrease of S55,990, ,465
 From 1918 Earnings
sy Associated Pro.

New York, March 24.-Earnings of the United States Steel Corporation for 1913 aggregated s152. .sSe a decrease of y55.. o465 from 1918. according to the detailed report issued today. This sum is reached after allowance Is made for estimated amount of federal income and excess profits taxes
 Balance of earnings. after interests pay ment on outstanding bonds and mort- gages of subsidiaries, amounted to u43,- 5S9,063 decrease of s55.Tsi SIT, with a net income of y96, ,043, ,136, decrease of S60 6sSs 720 and a surplus net income of $26, 159. 7S1. as compared with 2S, ,98 $50 in the pre- vious year.
 Adding this surplus to surplus accumuS lated by all companies from April l. 1901. including the s25, 900 GOO provided for work. ing capital at organization, tho corpora- ton at the end of 1919 had a total undis vided surplus. exclusive of profits mado by subsidiaries on inter-company sales, of $49s.o4s ,9o2-
 Volume of business done by an ccnfs panies of the corporation during 1873 d repr esented by combined gross sales, ags gregated N.44s, ,557. .s25. as against H.7<4.s 3l2, is3 in the preceding year.
 The combined general balance sheet fixed assets at the enormous total o1 s2. 3G5. ss2, ,;S2, including current assets o< s672, ,295. .3sS.
 Among the largest items in this account are Liberty Bonds. United States treas. ury certificates and other marketable e. curities valued at s15e.o6o.sn; accounts and bills receivable of alrnost t9B.0oo.000 and cash in hand and on deposit e1600 9ok Production of iron ore fell from 81a,o0 in 1918 to %. 42a.oe3 in 1919: manufactured coke decreased from H.757.63s tona to 1B.s 4es,s4s and rolled and other nnished stoen products decreased from 1s.s4s.i83 tcn1 to 1i.s97 .e35.
 Comparison of the number of employee on the pay roll shows total of 252, los iQ 1919 and os,rlo in the preceding yeaA but salaries and wages in 1913 amounted to s479 .o4o, as against $452. .s2t in l9lS This is accounted for by the fact that an employees. exclusive of the general 4d. ministration and selling force4 receiv1l an average daily wage of >6-u In 191o compared with S.s, the previous year.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-03-25
School h Grip Student Souiet Whose Principal Occupation Is ThroUing Professors Into Lake

he was thrown into water over his head.
 Another person to suffer was Prof James Start. a bridegroom. His house was pHtro1ied by students all day yesterday and finally he took his bride to hotel, which was also pioketed by the students.
 As he started for his classes this morning. Professor Start was cap tured and carried to the lake, where hs was thrown into the water.
 Professor Harvey a third victim, dlved into the water before the stu dents could act. Both Start and Lindquists are veterans of the world war.
 T intended to do my bit gladly on the track" said Start
 But I was threatened with duckinr if did not do as ordered. I decided not to be governed by force and threats"
 MT Harvey issued the following statement.
 T was for working on the track when 1t was first announced, and ex- pected to come out that day, but two things arose. Tuesday afternoon was my only afternoon for debate work, and I will not be forced to do any thing by threats. I dived into the water for the sake of an ideal, and I protest against the use of force to pro- mote school spirit.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-03-25
RED AMBASSADOR
 SUES PUBLISHERS
 FOR $1,OOO,OOO LIBEL
By Associated Prss

New York, March 24.-Ludwig C.. A. K. Martens, seIf-styied "ambas- sador'' of the Russian soviet gov- ernment, late today in supreme court brought n $1,O0O,OOO Joint suit for alleged libel against the Review of Reviews Company, Albert Shaw, editor, and Arthur Wallace Dunn. author of ssThe Reds in America.- Dunn's book is said to have been published by the Review of Re- views Company.
 Martens alleged that he was held up to "contenipt, distrust and hatred- through statements in the book that s'tended falsely to create the belief that he was engaged in propaganda looking toward the de- struction of the government of the United States,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-03-25
COMPROMISE LIKELY

The Hague. March 24--Ofiicial circles here are informed that the Ebert gov ernment in Berlin considers itself sllf- ficientiy strong from a rnilitary stand- point to crush the Spartacans in the Ruhf districts, It Is probable. however, It win compromise, because of the fear that ( !, Spartacans, if made desperate, VOL 1 destroy the mines, crippling the industry of Germany. France and Holland.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-03-25
ASSEMBLY, MEETS

Berlin, March 24,~-The national assem- bly met this afternoon, but the session was immediately adjourned, The presl- dent. Herr Fehrenback was empowered to reconvene it when the situation became clearer.
 The Prussian assembly postponed its meeting until after the meeting of the national assembly. The new cabinet has not vet been formed the various parties are still negotiating
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-03-25
Gisf of the Ne,Os
GENERAI

GENERAL
 Labor propOunds new questionnnire to presidential aspirantS.
 AlabamIans start home to conduct campaign. last half of session. :. March contracts break with more than recent rise; uneasiness of shorts sends corn up.
 League president filings challenge at nepose4 Magee. LOCAL z Coal operators meet today for 4aseus- sion of wage scale problems.
 Quotes tent-maker as boose reaches sewer.
 Clarion cry of ~save money" resounds from city hall.
 Cotton buyer complains of poor staple.
 Candidates coming to BirminGham to speak.
 Bids on Jefferson County Bank build inE pass million dollar mark.
 Four new ships to be built at Mobile by Chickasaw company
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-03-25
sEAMEN OPPOSE OFFICERS

London. March Naval units at iSiel the officers of the Baltic station, as well as Rear Admiral Ayers, the newly ap- pointed chief of the station, according to advlces from Berlin. These posts they filled with deckhands and members of the republican officers league The units are taking orders from she clvilian gov- ernOr
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-03-25
REDS CApTURE VESSEL

Coblenz, March 24.-It is reported here that Wesel has been captured by the Red army.
 The Ruhr district is quiet today. The government troops have retired to the northeast bank of the Lipper river
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-03-25
Flood Wants New Treaty

man Hal D. Flood. called here to partici
 pate in the West Virginia debt case, stated tonight that as soon as he returns to Washington eswill offer resolution instructing President Wilson to write a new peace treaty. Flood said that his resolution will ask the President to de- clare the United States 1t peace with all
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-03-25
EMPTY GUNS USELESS

In memorandum Admiral BenSop. [ gave Secretary Daniels the adminition that without shells for the guns of battleships are worthless" and that they not only cannot defend them selves, but cannot fight to save the country. After several weeks delay, Captain Laning said. the shells were ordered.
 Other charges made by the witness were that the department in the years immediately preceding the war did not advocate Legislation and policies that would prepare the navy for hostilities that when 1t was apparent war could not be avoided the department still refused to prepare; that lack of CO., ordination in the department during the carly months of the war produced the effectiveness of American partici- patton and added to the cost. and that when war was declared the navy de- partmentAtold the country that the navy w&1lready when in reality it was known tketN would take at least 100 days to prepare even the latest ships for active service.
 LANING LETTER READ
 Senator Trammell. democrat. Flori- da, read a letter written by the cap tain to Rear Admiral Sims in August 1918, apparently in answer to letter from the admiral criticising the de- partment for not co-operating more fully with the naval forces abroad.
 The Laning letter opened with the statement that the writer was not
 (Continued on Page seven)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-03-25
RUHR FIGHTING CEASES

London. March 2l.-Latest dispatches re- ceived here indicated that the fighting has temporarily ceased in the Ruhr dis trict