davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-25

away were put out, and spectators in movie theatres in the southwest ern part of the city and at Argo. three miles from the quarry. were thrown into temporary panic Nearly every window in Summit and Argo was broken, and people ran scream ing into tho streets. There vas nothing to see, a sudden convulSfon and it's resulting crash of glass hav- ing been succeeded by duietness and unusual darkness with the snuffing out of street light.
 One of the first reports was that the large plant of the Corn Products company at Argo had blown up but this was soon disproved when peo- pie living near the quarry confirmed a report that the explosion had oc- cured al McCook This first defi- mite report had first reached Monon raroad signal tower at Dyer, Ind, and thence been relayed to the Mo- non dispatcher at LaFayette whence it came back to Chicago over the Associated Press wire.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-25

When windows were shattered in the south and the west portions of the city shortly after o'clock, ex- cited calls were made to newspapers to discover where the explosion had occurred and how many had been killed. Inquiries by telephone to many places failed to discover what had exploded but by curious freak of newspsperdom, an inquiry by The Associated Press to Indianapolis, soon brought bulletin from La Fayette. Ind, that the explosion had occurred at McCook, H., on the edge of Chicago.
 This information obtained within A few minutes after the explosion led to the tracing of the accident to the quarry which is situated in rather secluded spot.
 So far as could be ascertained no one was killed and early reports wer~ unable to explain how the accident occurred. The intensity of the ex- plosion was so great that the street lights at Summit Ill., two miles
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-25
COMMITTEE WILL
 TAKE ACTION ON
 4-POWER TREATY
Administration Forces and Republican Reservation iStS Unite on New
 Reservation
By Associated Pres.

Washington, February 74--An agreement for final committee action tomorrow on the four-power Pacific treaty was recalled by Senate lead CTS today after the administration forces and a group of republican re- servationists had united in support of new compromise reservation.
 The compromise was laid before the committee by Senator Brandegee republican. Connecticut, after con- ference with President Harding AS substitute both for the compromise suggested yesterday by Senator Lodge, the committee chairman and for the reservation previously pre- sented by Senator Brandegee. but said to have been found unacceptable to the White House.
 Committee members understood that the new draft would be satisfac- tory to Mir. Harding and predicted it would be given approval at to- morrow's meeting.
 Compromise Reservation
 The teAt or the compromise reSo- lution follows:
 ssrhc United States understands
 that the statement in the pre-
 ambIe. or under tAe terms of
 this treaty, there Is no commit
 ment to armed force. no alliance.
 no obligation to join in any de-
 feBse.v
 The only opposition to the draft from the republican side is said to have come from Senators Johnson of California and Borah, of Idaho, who contended that if did not sufficiently disclaim any moral or legal obliEa- ton to maintain the rights of the other treaty signatories and did not give to Congress the right to pass on all adjustments reached under the treaty provisions Both of those restriction were set forth specifi- .ficails n the original Brandcgse tra- posal.
 on the democratic side Senator Pomerine of Ohio was said to have led the fight against the reservation moving to eliminate the words mo alliance" on the ground that to in- elude them was to deny directly the language of the treaty itself. His motion was still pending when the committee adjourned with a unani- nous agreement to vote tomorrow on the treaty itself and all proposed reservations.
 No Need for Reservation
 Meantime at the White House X was said that President Harding still saw not the slightest occasion for any reservation on the four power treaty. There is one very simple objection to a reservation it was said and that is that if this gov ernment cannot do things designed to promote understandings and bring nations into accord without having such things vetoed by Congress oi the Senate it will be in very poor position to accomplish anything iB the world
 It was declared that the President would not have been agreeable td any reservation which would have prohibited him from carrying on ne- gotiations or conferences with the approval of the Senate. It was ex- plained, however there would be no objections 10 clarify reservations to satisfy the apprehensions Of those who have expressed fears about the treaty but that the executive did not see the need for them
 It was also explained that the President could not and would not enter into treaties or use military forces without the sanction of Con gress as provided in the constitution.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-25
CHICAGO ROCKED BY POWDER MAGAZINE EXPL 0SION
POWER COMPANY ACCUSED OF TAKING OF GOVERNMENT IN WAR
BLUEBEARD DIES
 ON GUILLOTINE
By Associated Pres

Versailles. February 25- Henri Lanaru. the "BIuebeard." !" was guiIlotined at 6:05 this morn ing.
 LRndru. "the Bluebeard of Gam the few paces from the jail door to the EuiIIotfne unaided.
 His head fell into the basket as fhe first rays of dawn EIeamed in the sky. The buGles of the barracks and the anGeIus bells in the churches sounded I.and- rus passing.
 revelations concernfng the crimes fer which he was put to death.
 Landru, t.'he BIucbeard of Gam bias,7 was arrested on April f. 1919. on II counts of murder growing out of the disappear ance of boy and 10 women. to whom he hnd promised marriage. The charmer of 2S3 women of all ages from 70 to 60, many of them foolish and wealthy widows, was born in Paris in 1889. He was . mechanical engineer and had been well educated. He was mar ried and had two grown children. He was a dark-Vfsaged man, with shining bald head and long, black whfskers, and during the prog ress of his trial for murder. which began November 7, 1921. before the Versailles Assizea and ended the following NOvem- Der 30. he participated dramatic cnlly in his own defense.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-25
ADOPT MEASURES FOR UN|F FORM LAW
 IN COTTON STATES
Recommendations Containing Measures to Be Presented Governors of All South
 ern States
By Associated Press

New orleans, February 24-Meas~ ures for securing uniform legisla- tion throughout the cotton producing states on subjects related to the production, financing. warehousing and marketing of cotton, and plans for waging a relentless warfare against crop pests with 8ll the cat ; ton states acting as unit, were adopted at the final session Of the Cotton States commission here late today.
 Measures adopted by the cotton commissioners will be embodied into set of recommendations which will be presented to the governors of the cotton states by the states represen- tatives who attend the conference. with the request to the governors that they be passed on to their legis- latures to the end that uniform leg islation governing the cotton industry may be enacted by the several states
 The organization of a permanent Cotton States commission with three eommis ssioners from each cotton state one of whom will be an officer of the state department of agriculture will be urged upon the governors.
 Objects of Commission
 The specific objects of the commits sion, if adopted by the several states. will be, according to the plans of permanent organizations adopted, the control of insect pests, the bet terment of living conditions for farm dwellers, the establishment of ade- quate and uniform warehouse sys- tems, reduction of the costs of mar keting dncluding terminal charges and transportation), the financing of the farmer during periods of produc- ton and marketing and other prob lems of like character"
 In the event such an organization is perfected, the United States >Secre- tary of Agriculture will be requested to appoint at least two representa- uves cf the department to attend the sessions of the commission.
 During sightseeing trip through the harbor this afternoon aboard the dock boards tug Samson, a stop was made at the cotton warehouses where the commissioners were shown the facilities for handling export cotton through this port. Officials of the dock board were present to answer the questions propounded by the cot ton men and explain the system in use here.
 Members of the commission tonight expressed themselves as enthusiastic over the results of the meeting and predicted that with the start they have made a permanent organization will be perfected and will result in better conditions for the cotton pro- ducers.
 Following the adoption of the per manent program. the meeting ad- journed sine die to reconvene at the call of the chairman, R. o. Everett of Durham. N. C., at some place to be designated by the governor of North Carolina. who originated the idea of some concerted action by the cotton states.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-25

, combat Mir. Martin heavily SCOT ed as result of questions propounded by Representative Quinn of Mississippi Stoll of South Carolina and Wright If Georgia, concerning the action of the Alabama Power company in donating to the government the property Of the company at Wilson dam, MT Wright especially could not understand how any corporation could give anything to it's government, and through sar- castle queries sought to imply that there was a sena gambian concealed i n the woodpile.
 But Mir. Martin was equipped with all papers in the case and Mir. Wright was finally forced to admit that the Alabama Power company stood out among all corporations of the United States as willing beneficiary of the government in the time of war.
 Give Other Property
 But MT. Martin could not agree that because during war his company had given the government it's property at Wilson dam it should give the gov crnment at present it's property at proposed dam No. }.
 The requirements of the govern ment always come first said Mir Martin. But he demurred at the i'm piled intimation that he should be generous again to the end that the government might easily take pos session of his property and transfer 1t to MT Ford
 During the day. the committee con fined itself to the history of the Alabama Power company and it's con tract involving Gorgas. Monday when hearings are resumed, Mir Martin will be asked to compare his offer for Muscle Shoals with that of Ford.
 Alabamians in Congress expressed delight tonight that the Senate had voted an appropriation to permit the agricultural committee to visit Muscle Shoals. They feel that this visit will rebound to the interest of the Ford offer.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-25
UNNAMED SOLDIER REPRESENTSDEAD
 IN |NROMAD|SASTER
Receives Last Farewell From Comrades and Public for Self and 33 Others
 Who Died
By Associated Press

Newport News, Va, February 24.- An unnamed soldier from among the dead in the di saster to the airship of all those who gave their lives in the fatal flight for a public funeral which was held here today. Resting in a plain casket under the folds of the flag in grassy prominence in the center of huge hollow square! he received for hImselt and the 3S others who died In the disaster a last farewell from his comrades and rom others among whom ne had liveu.
 1t had been planned Tor Newport News and other cites near Langley held to do honor at a public Iunerai TOT all the men who ofed when the great army alrship Roma was ue- stroyea last 1uesoay, but because many of the bodies, destined Tor homes in widely separated parts oi the country had been sent from the citlss earllcr arranged Tor one bouy to represent all at me services. oo d lone soiuier without d name was chosen rom among those remainins that all might De honored.
 Moving Tn funeral step to the str1Jns oI the Dead .uarch from Saul" the funeral procession entered the square Nnlcn had been roped oil on the casino grounds overioohins James BlNer. uatnered about the square were thousands or people rom all sections ol easeern FirBlnia anu many from eIsewnere. As the boa! was taken from hearse and laid on its natural cataiaique, d squad ol aif-
 
 stations nearby swept in great cir cles high over the flsgurapeu coilIn. Finally, with a mighty roar they swooped one by one over the square scattering showers oi lilies anu crushed rose leaves over the remains of their comrade.
 There was a short prayer by Chap lain Samuel j. Smith of Fortress Monroe and Major DeGaffereiiy oi this city. Attorney General Jonn n- Saunders of Virginia, delivered eulogy.
 Then a crisp order rang out and the rifles or a Langley field nrins squat clicked rhree sharp volleys crackeo the leaden silence, and as the echoes of firing died out bugler's measured notes mounted the breeze with soldiers good night
 pnrins the funeral services, which were attended by representatives or zyery military, commercial ana ciNiS and of the state and city rovernments, every business place in Newport News renamed closed. Flags were at half mast throughout the dav all over this section of the state and church bells tolled their knei' TOT the dead
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-25

1. That the AI1hAuAa Power
 by English and Canadian capt.
 tnIists.
 2. That it wAs animated by
 selfish reavOns In making the
 eORtrAct with the government re-
 specting the GOrKnS steam plant.
 2. Tkat 1t had souae hidden and
 selfish motive in giving the EOV-
 ermept it's riparian rights at
 Wilson dam.
 4 That u should likewise
 give the government It's riparian
 rights at proposed dam No. 3-
 MT. Martin testified that 5S per cent of the stock of the Alabama Power company was held in Canada and various countries of Europe, but that s7 per cent of all securities of the company was held in the United States. He corrected the false i'm pression that James Mitchell, former president of the company, was ar Engiishman, he testified that Mitchell was born in Canada of American parents and was throughout his life a resident of Massachusetts.
 GorEas Contract
 Regarding the Gorgas contract, MT Martin explained that he went into that arrangement with the govern ment at the instance of the govern ment and that the clause requiring him to buy the governments property at a fair price was written by the governments agents having in mind the governments interests.
 Representative Miller of Washing ton, who apparently felt in honor bound to be as rough with the rep resentative of the power company as he had been with representatives of Henry Ford denounced the Gorgas contract as unconscionable.
 Mir Martin. with rising voice, re- sented the statement and for m D. ment the two glared at each other but there was never danger of mortal
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-25
DAVENPORT OFFERS
 REWARD FOR SLAYER

Montgomery, February 24.-(Spc- cial.)-J. J. Davenport, of Daven- port, today offered reward of s150 for the arrest and conviction of the person who killed Mrs. Sue Mar tin and robbed the safe in the Dav- enport home two weeks ago. The of- fer was made through Sheriff John l.. Scogin.
 investigations which have been carried on since the crimes were committed have not caused the ar rest of the murderers. Three per- sons, white man and two negroes. who mad been held several days were released.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-25

It was stated also Lndt audlllohdi evidence had been uncovered here which served to strengthen Field s story of his knowledge of the crime.
 A search of his effects disclosed re- ceipts showing Fields was in Los Angeles late in January. Nmong these was rent receipt for lace in Venice. Cal. where Fieids has main tained the details of raylor's staying were arranged
 Fields, according to the sheriff stat ed that the actress was not present when Taylor was shot and reiterated that the only participants at the scene of the crime were the three he de- soribed as Wong Lee, a Chinese. who did the shooting; Johnny Clark, 8 white man, and a Jennie Moore, all of whom were hired to take their parts in the murder.
 Authorities here have been unable to locate bankbook which Fields is said to have had in his possession at the time of his arrest. bearing the name of sam coplin," an alleged alias, showing a deposit Of s1s0 in Chicago on February 2, the day after the Taylor murder.
 Fields has, however, offered the ex- planation that he maintained the ae- count in Chicago for the benefit of his daughter and made deposits by mail through a friend officers point out that this would clear up the issue that was raised by the supposed presence of the suspect in Chicago, the day after he claims to have been in Los Angeles. California authorities have been acquainted with the new de- velopment
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-25
PUBLISHERS TO MEET
 By Associated Press

\ Chattanooga, February 24.-The mid winter conference of the execu- live committee of the Southern News naper Publishers association will be held here, next Monday, the officers and directors and past presidents to attend. Among subjects to receive attention will be the formulation Of
 plans to push an intensive advertising Scampaign in behalf of the south ana Southern newspapers that was in- augurated six years ago. The place and time for the next annual conyen- tidn will also be agreed upon.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-25
SALES TAX BONUS PLAN REJECTED BY
 SENATE COMMITTEE.
Favor Reporting Compensa- ton Bill Without Any Pro- vision for the Raising
 of Revenue
By Associated Press

Washington, February 24-Reject- ing seven to two. proposition to pay soldiers bonus by means of a sales tax. the special subcommittee of re- publican members of the House ways and means committee was understood to have gone on record today, five to four, in favor of reporting out an adjusted compensation bill without any provision for raising the revenue.
 The subcommittee reported to entire majority membership of committee later in the day, but a decision was deferred adjournment being taken until next Tuesday so as to give com mitteemen not members of the sub committee time to study the whole matter. Some or those proressiEg to have sounded sentiment among the majority members were of the opin- developments between now and Tues day the action of the subcommittee probably would be ratified.
 Aside from the ballots on the sales tax and a bill without a revenue pro- vision there were said to have been several other votes in the subcom- mittee. It was learned that mo- ton to report a bill carrying only an insurance provision was defeated. six to two.
 Both Sides Surprised
 Both proponents and opponents ot d sales tax appeared to be surprised by the vote on that proposition. Both sides had been claiming victory with each seemingly expecting a fair ly close vote. Representatives Long worth of Ohio. and Bacharach of New Jersey, were said to have been the only members voting for sales tax although Representative Watson ot Pennsylvania said he was in favor of sales tax if bill carrying other than an insurance feature were voted out.
 On the sales tax ballot, however, Mir. Watson was said to have voted in the negative, although first reports placed him among ;he supporters of this tax. Others reported to have voted in the negative were Chairman Fordney and Representative Frear, Wisconsin; Copley, liinois; Treadway, Massachusetts, 1imberlake. Colorado and Chandler. of Oklahoma MT. Chandler was absent. but Chairman Fordney voted his proxy.
 On the ballot to report out bill without any revenue provision, the subcommittee was said to have di- vided as follows
 In favor of: Fordney Frear Cop ley, Timberlake. and Chandler.
 Against: Longworth. Bacharach. Treadway and Watson
 Four For Postponement
 Four members of the subcommittee were reported to have favored further postponement of bonus legis- lation in the belief that in time the problem would solve itself. Post ponement is opposed. however, ny a big majority of the committee and also by many members of the House. Chairman Fordney reiterated that q bonus bill would Le passed at this session and other committeeman ex- pressed the same view.
 Some supporters of d sales tax ex- pressed the view today that President Harding might again take D hand in the bonus controversy. They thought it was the present intention of the committee to report out legislation
 lContinued on Last Pnge)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-25
REVOLUTIONlSTS BATTLE
 FORCES OF GOVERN MEN I
By Associated Press

San SalVador February 2t.--Ad- vices received here from Gautemaia say that 500 revolutionaries made an attack on the Piazza Escuintla in au attempt 10 capture the fort. The government forces repulsed the al tack and captured ls0 prisoners anu much material from the rebels
 Both sides sustained losses in men killed or wounded. Advices say order has been re-established.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-25
WAR DEPARTMENT EMPLOYE ADMITS
 BLACKMAIL PLOT
Bureau Clerk ConfeSSes the Authorship of Black Hand Letters in Which Large
 Sums Demanded
By Associated Press

Washington, February 24-George E. Long, clerk in the bureau of in- sular affairs of the war department since 1904, confessed today, accord ing to the police, to the authorship of Black Hand letters recently re- eeived by Henry White, former am bassador to France, and by several women prominent in Washington so- ciety.
 The letters demanded large sums of money and threatened death if the sums were not forthcoming.
 Long was taken into custody today after department of justice agents were said to have traced the letters 10 him by a peculiarity in the hand writing and by water mark used in war department stationery. He made his alleged confession after n5ore than two hours of questioning Ut police headquarters by Inspector Grant. but then was permitted to re- turn to his home, where his wife is seriously ill. Long is 40 years of age and has three children.
 No Charge Preferred
 No charge was preferred against him, as Inspector Grant said, we know We can get him when we want him, and we thought it better to let him go home to care for his wife, who is very ill and his three chil- dren
 Besides Mir White, according to the police, the threatening letters were received by Mrs. Thomas F. Walsh, widow of the late Copper King" of Colorado. Madame Christian Hauge. widow of the former Norwegian min ister, and Mrs. Mary Scott Town send
 According to the police, Long served as valet to Maj. Gen. Clarence l. Edwards when he was chief of the insular bureau, and had traV- eled around the world with his em- plover. In his confession, Inspector Grant stated that Long said;
 q don't know why l wrote the let ters. may have gotten my idea from reading of the Gatti case Ca re cent Black Hand easel but was anxious to see the children of the city provided for. and I thought these rich people mi ght help"
 He declared, however, the inspector added, that he never went to the places where he had directed the arsa ov to he delivered and would not have touched it.'' One of the first things Long did after confessinsi II vas said, was to telephone his wife and ask her to notify General Ed wards, who is now stationed In Sos ton.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-25
CAPPER NEW HEAD OF
 AGRICULTURAL BLOC

Washington. February e4.--Senator Capper, republican, Kansas, today was elected unanimously as chairman Of the unofficial agricultural bloc of the Senate, succeeding former Senator kenyon of Iowa.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-25
PRINCE OF WALES
 PARTY FIRED ON

By Associated Press
 London, February 24.-Tke fir ing on several members of the Prince of Wales party while they were motoring from Delhi to Punjab region of India is re- ported by the PuttiaIa corre- spondent of the London Times. No one was hit and the char acter of the assaiIants is not known. The police are investi- Eating.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-25

by him tonight to be slightly ina proved
 He said Miss Normand was serious iy i'll with influenza, aggravated by nervous breakdown, due 10 grief over the death of William Desmond Taylor. one Of her closest friends, who was mysteriously slain February