davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-02-09
UNW|SE ID HALT
 SH|PBU|LD|NG. IS
 COMMITTEE VIEW
Naval Committee Acts In Ex- eCutive Session, But Ap- parentIy There Is No Diff
 ference of Opinion
By Associated Press

Washington, February S.-The Sem ate naval committee has concluded from testimony by naval experts that it would be unwise and unadvisable to stop work for six months on capital ship building for the navy while ex- perts study the question Of best types based on the lessons of the World war.
 In response to Senator Borah's reso- lution of inquiry as to the advisability of such a move, the committee will report its conclusions to the Senate probably tomorrow. It's report will be prepared by Senator Poindexter, rep publican, Washington, who was in- structed to draft it after final com mittee action on the proposal today.
 The committee acted in executive 'ss ssion, but so far as could be learned. there was no division of opinion, at least as expressed in tbe vote cast. I Action was taken soon after members of the navy general board appeaered to oppose the proposal Previous to that the committee had heard Secre- tary Daniels and Rear Admirals w. S. Sims. president of the naval war col lege at Newport R. l., and Bradley A. Flske, retired, former aide for opera tions.
 The House naval committee continued today it's study of the disarmament question, hearing Sir Philip Gibbs British war correspondent, who said Great Britain would not enter a race with the United States for sea power England. he said did not have the money, and. he added, most English men do not regard an American navy as menace.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-02-09
WOMAN'S WAR ON
 BOSS RULE ON
To Fight Reactionary Elements In Both Parties, Is
 Declaration
By Associated Press

Atlanta, February S.--A womans
 parties was 6ecIarec nere today by
 elements in both the chief political
 war on "boss rule" and "reactionary" speakers at the third regional con-
 ference of the National League of
 Women Voters
 In plea for the education of women voters. Mrs. George Gellhorn of St.
 Louis. vice chairman of the National league, declared the organization work means that women are not going into
 the big political parties as machine
 made rubber stamps. but with ideals. help and inspiration"
 NO wonder the machine boss hates Ius." she said, but we are not wor -y- ing about him. We walked rings around some of them, and we will walk some more."
 Miss Katherine Luddington, Hart ford, Conn, and other speakers took the same stand as did Mrs Gellhorn. and the Rev. pr. J. Sprole Lyons, Att |lanta pastor who opened the sessions with prayer, pleaded that women might "reverently and intelligsntly' work in the political parties against lmaterialism and selfishness.
 The Third region comprises the states of Alabama, Florida. Georgia, Louisiana. Mississippi, North and South Carolina, Tennessee and vir- ginia.. Mrs. Julian Salley of Aiken. IS. C., chairman of the Third region, ipresided at the sessions, which were sattended by delegates from all the lstates in the region and many national officers of the league. The meeting will continue through tomorrow
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-02-09
BLACKMON DEATH
 SADDENS CONGRESS
Senate and House Send Dele- gates to Anniston to Attend
 Burial of Statesman
By HUGH W. ROBERTS Washington Bureau The Ase-H Herald
 500 Davidson Building

Washington, February S.-(Special.)-- The news of the death of Representative Fred l.. Blackmon of the Fourth Ala bama district, was received in Washing ton this morning with surprise and sOr- row For it is said with obvious truth that no public man had more personal friends in the capital than the dead Statesman
 The tragic announcement was made to the House late this afternoon by Repre- sentative Almond of the Eighth district and to the Senate by Senator Under wood. The Speaker and the President or tho Senate immediately named commit tees to visit Anniston and attend the fu- neral The party will leave Washing ton tomorrow morning at S;45 o'clock and will reach Anniston Thursday morning.
 MT. Blackmon was completing his fifth session of Congress. He had been elected for a sixth session and had announced that following that session he would re- tire from public i've. His service was featured by concrete achievement of permanent character rather than by oa- tentation and that variety of dema- goguery which distinguishes so many men dependent on popular suffrage. lie voted in accordance with his convictions
 on all topics ad was one who proved
 fallacious the theory that strong men cannot be secure III Oillct Wituoue pNi'N
 ing their necks to the yokes of loobies and cEaues operating under the guise or reformation It is said of him today by .nnumerable friends that he never lodged an issue and never apolosized for vote. Mir Blackmon's last appearance in the House was on that S,nday just eignt d.lys Irior to his death cu which memo rial exercises were held in honor of the late senator Bankhead. At these exer- cses he was the presiding officer. The funeral committee on the part or the house consists of the Alabama aeis- garion and Representatives Bell and Lee of Georgia, Sisson and Venable of Ms sssippi, Ramsey of Iowa, Rouse of Ken lucky, Radcliffe of New Jersey. Jones or Pennsylvania and Jacoway of Arkansas The Senate committee consists or Sehd- tors Underwood and ieflin of Alapama, Dial of South Carolina, Fernald or Maine, King of Utah and Gurus or Kansas.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-02-09
1. BLACKMON
 DIES SUDDENLY IN
 BARTON, FLORIDA
Fourth District Congressman Had Gone South In Search of HeaIth-Body Returned
 to AnniSton

Tampa, February 8.-(Spe- cial. al.)-Congressman Fred L. Blackmon of Anniston re- gently reelected for the sixth term from the Fourth district, died suddenly at Barlow at midnight last night. He has been in Flordia for his health.
 Representative Bla kmon died at the home of his neph- CIV, Dr. R l.. Hughes, shortly after midnight last night. The body was shipped to Anniston this morning for interment.
 The deceased was recently reelected for the sixth consecutive time to his seat in Congress from the Fourth Alabama district. He arrived in Florida Sunday. accompanied by his young son. Death was due to heart disease.
 Representative Blackmon was born at Lime Branch, Polk county, Georgia, September 15, 1873, and moved to Cal houn county. Alabama, in 1883. He was married December 31, 1908 Two children, Fred L. Blackmon, Jr., and Sarah Bel finger Blackmon. survive him. One week ago Representative Blackmon presided in the House of Representatives at me- morial exercises for the late Senator Bankhead of Alabama
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-02-09
NAVAL COURT RECORD IS
 SENT BACK FOR REVISION
By Associatcd Press

Washington, February S.-The record of the naval court of inquiry which investigated the spectacular flight of the naval balloonists, Kloor, Hinton. and Farrell from Rockaway, L. l., 10 Moose Factory, Ont, has been sent back for revision of the sections re- lating to the authority of the com mandant at Rockaway air station to order the flight Secretary Daniels an- nounced tonight. The report was not conclusive with regard to the com mandants authority to order nights that would take the crew outside the United States, MT. Daniels said. and it was desired to clear the matter up because of treaty agreements with Great Britain regarding armed forces cn the Canadian border or crossinr the boundary.
 MT. Daniels said it had been sur- Eested to him that the court had not gone deeply enough into the clash bs tween Lieutenants Hinton and Farrell at the conclusion of the grillins tr,n from Moose Factory, but he had not instructed any further inquiry into this angle of the case, he said. The officers. had patched up their griev- ances and all concerned were willing to .let bygones be bygones.'' Mir. Dam iels said.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-02-09
Alabama Gains 11S,OOO Whites In 10 Years;
 State Has l ,964 More Females Than Males

Washington, February s. Spe- I.)-The decrease in negro pop ulation in Alabama during the last 10 years wns confined wholly to the male element, according to an, nOuncement by the census bureau today, and accounts entirely for the change in sex ratio for the total population.
 For, whereas in 1910 the ratio of males to females was 1O0.5 to 100. in 1920 1t was 09.S to 100. At pres ent. the males number 1,17S.f05 and the females 1.175,069. Since the extension of suffrage to women 1t will be possible for the flair sex" to establish petticoat govern ment in Alabama whenever they 20
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-02-09
FIX BLAME FOR GAS
 BLAST IN MEMPHIS
By Associnted Press

Washington, February o.- euerai
 investigation of the gasoline vapor ex- plosion at Memphis, January "A, which cost the lives of eleven persons and serious injury to many more as well as extensive property damage was another horrible example of failure of workmen to heed prescribed precau tions in handling explosive matter, ac- cording to a report made public today by the bureau of mines
 Andrew Mckinley, a negro workman. who pershed opened a tank car of highly volatile absorption gasoline without first relieving pressure in the tank, as these precautions require. the statement said. Gas and liquid gaso- line boiled out of the car mixed with the air to form an explosive gas and a few moments later was ignted by nearby open fires. causing the ex- plosion if adds
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-02-09
CYST OF THE NEWS
GENERAL

Woman's war on "boss rule" is de- clarcd. lieu of receiver.
 Mississippi cyclone carries big cas- uaIty list.
 British premier makes plea for po- liticaI unity.
 New perjury evidence is seen in Me- Donald's statement.
 vnrdnman's son is given 'vacatiOn,s' by Memphis bank.
 Grand jury investigates Meridian corn field murder.
 Final hours tfade reversal of early stock list; rallies in cotton.
 STATE
 ApbeaI is made to labor board to save A., B. & A.
 Court of appeals rernands Brogdcr case for retriai.
 Both amendments apparently lost in county election. Property owners enter protest on paving of street. City commission has busy session. Russians not competent to compete with world, says ZlbOOsg. Policewoman puts taboo on facial decorations. Rice campaign to open February 26. Cleveland business men's delegation to arrive tonight. Allxeod urges hank to cooperate with kaFnexs.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-02-09
FORGOT
 ID HANG NEGRO
Louisiana Attorney General Admits He Is In Dark as to
 Condemned Mans Status
By Associated Press

New Orleans, teDruary S.-With ap- parently no precedent to guide him, Att torney General A. V. Coco is tonight trying to determine the legal status of date of whose execution on February 4 for the murder of a white man was com- pletely forgotten by Sheriff T. A. Grant of Ouachita parish.
 The forgetful sheriff, who became So engrossed in other matters that he en- tire1y overlooked the scheduled hanging of the negro until after the date had passed, has raised one of the most n- tensely interesting legal questions ever met within this state, according to legal authorities, whose opinions in regard to the negro's status are badly divided. The attorney general frankly admits that he does not know what the negro's s status is-whether he is already legally dead in the eyes of the law and should go free by reason of having his life once placed in jeopardy with the setting of the date of his execution by the gover- nor, or whether the man must yet be executed in expiation for his crime He states, however that he will thoroughly examine all cases in the records which may have a bearing on the matter be- fore rendering a decision
 The peculiar situation came to light to- day on the receipt of letter by Gov John M. Parker from Sheriff Grant, in which the sheriff stated that on account of a rush of work, both civil and crim- inal, he unintentionally overlooked the fact that the governor, as required by law, had fixed the date of the negro execution for February 4, and asked what he should do under the circumstan- ces The governor promptly referred the matter to the attorney general for de- cision and the attorney general now says he is very much at sea-
 Another complication in the case is the fact that an application for commuta- : ton of the sentence to life imprisonment is now pending before the board of par donS.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-02-09

to the trouble of banding them selves together.
 The distribution of the popuIa- ton. according to color or race in 1920 was as follows; White, 1,447.- O32; negro, 0cO.652; Indian, 4O5, Chinese, 59; Japanese, IS, all other F'ilippino and Hindu), 2.
 The corresponding figures for 1910 were as follows. White, ,22S,- S32; negro, DOS, PSF; Indian. 909; Chinese, 62, Japanese, 4; all Othcrs. 4.
 During the decade the white por- uIation increased by IFS per cent, while the negro population de- creased by eight-tenths of per ceat. The foreign born white pop uiation numbered I7 ,662 in 1920. as against 1S,0J6 in 1910.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-02-09
GERMAN WAR PLOT WHICH FAILED
 ISJUST REVEALED IN NEW YORK

It is to be presumed that in cer- tain American detention camps there were trained German engi- neers who waited eagerly for re- ports which did not come of some thing happening" to the converted troop ship. For it is believed that the bolts were left barely holding, with the hope that the craft would just creep out into U-boat lanes. and then fall prey to the undersea craft when sudden strain on the engines came with an order for full speed ahead.
 But the breakdown never came. Luck or toughness of steel per- mitted the liner to make dozen round trips through submarine infected seas, carrying on each voyage from 5000 to 4000 men. Just to round things out. she en- circled the globe to bring troops home from Russia.
 The. Mount Vernon had several narrow escapes. Once she was torpedoed and 8 of her crew killed, but made her way to . French port.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-02-09
NEWS OF DEATH
 SHOCKS ANN|ST0N Friends and NeighborS of Fred L. Blackmon Appalled,.
 Burial Probably Friday

Anniston. February S-(Specal)--Con- gressman Fred l.. Blackmon of this cIty died at the home of Dr. R. L. Hughes in Barrow, Fla, at midnight Monu41y acute heart trouble being gwen as the cause of his death, the announcs- ment reaching Anniston at ociocKs creating a profound shock.
 MT. Blackmon had come to hls home here q week ago remained with his fam ilv until Friday evening, and on that dav Jeff fer Bartow to spend two weeAs with his former family physician ana close friend, pr. R. l.. Hughes lie Was accompanied by his little son, Fred l.. Blackmon, Jr. He was known to pe suffering severely from throat trouots at the time he left home, but none or his friends expected any serious turn to his illnss.
 The dead congressman had made an enyiable record during his 10 years III Congress, but had announced his inten- ticn to retire from public life at the ena of the sixty-seventh Congress. He had reeentIy formed a law partnership with Judge Hugh D. Merrill of this city ana intended to follow his profession aIter two more years in Congress MT. biacA- mon moved to Calhoun county in 1885. az tbe age of 10 years, and attended the common school in the Choccolocco vai- law studving law at the University OF Alabama and being admitted to the bar at the age of 2l.
 Mir. Blackmon became associated wltn inc law firm of Knox, Acker, Dixon ~ Blackmon following his admission to the bar being city attorney for Annlston ana going to the state senate from tnis coun- ~ for 10 years, and being elected the aixth time to Congress without single defeat to his credit. He was largely m strumentai in securing the location " <continuea on Page TweD
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-02-09
SENATE COMMITTEE. ASKS FOR COPY OF U. SLAP AGREEMENT
Course of State Department on Request Had Not Been Indicated at Late How
 Last Night
Ry Associated Press

Washington, February S.--What course the state department will take on the request of the Senate foreign relations committee for q copy of the agree ment" reached between Roland S Mor- ris, United States ambassador to Japan. and Baron Shidehara, the Japanese ann bassador, in their conversations looking to treaty action defining the rights ot Japan nationals in this country, had not been indicated tonight.
 The request of the Senate committee for the copy. If not incompatible with the public interest" was received at the state department late today about the time that Baron Shidehara held confer ence with Secretary Colby. but no intf- mation was given of the character of the conference or the probable attitude of the department in the face of the request.
 Secretary Colby merely pointed out that no agreement existed but only a report from Ambassador Morris on hs recent informal conversation with the Japanese ambassador concerning the Cal ifcrnia anti-alien land legislation which the latter is understood to con tend IS discriminatory against the Japanese as a race. The report is now being studied by Secretary Colby at the same time as a similar report from Baron Shidehara is being examined by, the foreign office at Tokio.
 The action of the Senate committee to- day was taken in executive session at the instance of Senator Johnson of Call fornia who previously had called upon Secretary ColbyNt to make public the re- suit of Ambassador Morris discussion The secretary has refused to accede for the previous demands, and it has been
 ntinated that final action on the sup ject, involving as it does the probable amendments of existing treaties or the drafting of entirely new agreements, would be left for the Harding adminis- tration.
 Senator Johnson has attacked the pro- posed agreement because of his under standing that it would involve gentle mems agreement, which in practice would not operate to exclude Japanese from this country.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-02-09
Rv associated Press

New York, February s.--A Ger man war plot that failed was re- yealed here today. Four de-ec- fective bolts. taken from the ma chinery of the transport Mount Vernon told the tale. They were discovered by the engineering forces of Commander R. D. Gate wood. director of the shipping boards division of construction and repairs, and placed on exhibi- ton at his office.
 Here is the story:
 After the Mount Vernon-for- merly the Kron Prinz Cecile. the famous gold ship" that raced into Bar Harbor in the early lays of the war-had been seized as troop ship. her German crew cut two-thirds of the way through the four six-inch bolts that connected the engine with the main crank shaft. The skillfully made cuts remained hidden by the fittings of the engines. and were only dis covered recently when the en- zines were taken apart.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-02-09
BRINDELL SENTENCED
 TO FIVE TO TEN YEARS
By Associated Press

New York, February S.-Robert F. Brindell, president of the Building Trades Council, convicted of extortion from builders. was sentenced today by Supreme Court Justice McAvoy to serve from five to ten years in state prison.
 Counsel for the labor leader an- nounced that an appeal will be taken from the conviction at once and the case will be taken to the United States supreme court if necessary.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-02-09
SOUTH AFRICAN PARTY
 WINS SWEEPING VICTORY
By Aaeociated Press

London. February s.-In the returns from the South African election thus far received, the South African party. headed by Gen. Jan Christian Shuts. has elected 23 candidates; the laborites. 5 the nationalists. ?, and the inde- pendents, 1. A feature of the election was the defeat by the Shuts candidate by Frederick H. Creswell the labor leader.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-02-09
Ready to Write Measure Bv Assncfnfad praas

Washington, February H-The repub- hcan majority of the House ways al,i means committee has practically com- pleted it's programme for the writing of the new tariff bill and tentative plans just formulated provide for the begin ming of actual work on the proposed measure February 2-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-02-09
King Gasparilla Crowned Nv Associafed PreS8

Tampa, February s.-King Gasparilla XIII and his queen were crowned by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla at the annual ball of the Krewe tonight at the Tampa Bay Casino. and will reign for one year. The event, always the big gest social affair of the year here, winds up the Gasparilla fiesta. S. l.. walthughlee and Miss Mildred Taliafarro are, respectively the new king and queen Among those attending from out ot town were Governor and Mrs. Hardec.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-02-09
HAD TO DEAL IN DIRT

There WaSn { a man m the country Wno would contract to give me my next years supply Ritter asserted, and l had to do business with any fipsy l could find who would sell me dirt for coal" He didn't Hose any money. but did have a lot of fun" he added, in further de- tailing his experiences. These included having a man in his own employ who reported every day on all, my business to the association and having "a depart mcnt of justice agent along with me for so many days that they thought he was working for me. too No prosecution had been instituted under antitrust laws Ritter said. but a civil suit had been brought. although his attorney had warned. he said, that this bunch is too strong for us"
 Names. dates and jocular remarks were all put in the record, as the witness pro- cceded.
 This is a serious thing" Senator Reed interjected "The penitentiary doors are opening for these men if they are guilty of what you say.
 "They are guilty Ritter retorted. .sThe only reason l am up here is be- cause the poor people have to buy their coal from these people and pay the rice, I have had my fun with them. But the first of last April had to step out: the coal that was coming to me was all dirt, and they could have the laugh on me if any customer had to burn it. All he could do would be to shovel 1t into fire and put 1t right out"
 for some minutes, temporarily excusing Ritter, Senator Reed insisted that the federal agents be brought in to see if the other man has a story too but the point was left for later decision
The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-02-09
COAL COMBINE ID KEEP PRICE HIGH,
 IS RITTER CHARGE
Prima Facie Case of Consplr- acy to Violate Anti-Trust Laws Is Charged By
 Senator Shoot
By Associated Press

Washington, February S.-Specific charges that a combination exists in the coal trade to maintain high prices of coal in this city and to shutoff the supply of coal to dealeres who cut rates were put before the Senate committee consider ing the Calder coal regulation bill today by John C. L. Ritter, who said the com bination put him out of business.
 Chairman Lafollette ruled that the committee would go further with the in auiry after Senator Reed, democrat Mis- soufi, declared that the witness had 'es- abolished a prima facie case of con spiracy to violate antitrust laws on the rart of local association" and moved that department of justice agents be summoned to explain their attitude in the matter.
 "The coal mems association had meeting,' Ritter asserted he had been informed by one of his 1919 customers, who added "and they put you right out of business. You aren't coal man at all any more."
 Another man, representing coal min ing company, suggested to him, Ritter continued. that he raise his price 70 cents a ton each week until he got only 10 to l5 cents below the association price, which was fixed during 1919 and 1920, according to the witness. by an as- sociation of local coal dealers. He re- fused. he said, and after April, 1920 he could moi any coal.