davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-30
MUSGROvE'S HAT |S TO SEEK STRATEGIC HURLED INTO RING NAVY AIR ROUTES
Formally Enters Race For President In Opposition To
 Senator Underwood

I. B. Musgrove of Jasper shortly before o'clock Saturday filed per sonaliy with Chairman E. B. Evins of the state democratic executive committee declaration of his candi- dacy for president in the March pri- mary, in which he will oppose Sem ator Oscar W. Underwood. At the same time MT. Musgrove gave to the press a formal declaration of prin- clples upon which he will make his race. His statement reads as fol- lows;
 A serious and unprecedented situa- tion confronts the people of Alabama. The right of the people to select their own representatives, not hitherto denied in free America. has been foreclosed by an act of the recent legislature. The reactionary wet political element in Alabama, of which Senator Underwood Is the chief exponent, and from which Ala bamians thought they had freed themselves, secured the passage in the legislature of Alabama, on Sep tember 13, 1923, after Senator Un- dacy, 8 law by the terms of which no other name may be placed on the ballot if citizen of Alabama qual- flies for the race.
 This law was frankly admitted by it's proponents to deliver the Alabama delegation into tn ir hands. They were not willing to risk the voters of the state in selecting their own delegates. These politicians must know, as does everyone throughout the country, that Senator Underwood can neither be nominated nor elected president of the United States. They will, however, if they are allowed the opportunity, trade off your delega- tion to some reactionary and wet candidate who would not represent the progressive democracy of this commonwealth.
 In order to meet this situation, at the urgent request of citizens of Ala bama from every walk of life, l have qualified as a candidate for election as the democratic nominee from Alabama for the presidency. Not only am I citizen of Alabama. but I am a native of this state and a lifelong resident as well, cherish ing it's history and traditions. If am elected, 1 promise the democrats of Alabama that l will appoint, un- der the terms of the law, as dele- gates only such progressive and dry democrats as will properly represent the good people of this state, to the end that your voting strength shall not be traded off to the vets, to Wall street, Tammany, Al Smith or any other reactionary element of the party. l.. B. MUSGROVE. .
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-30
Capital Paper Says Leasing Is Blot On State
WASHINGTON, ,s BUREAU !
 THE AGE-HERALD Maahinqtan ID Dec 20

The convict lease system in Alabama continues to attract un- favorable attention to that state, and really to give it a very black eye.
 The Washington Post, having heard from Birmingham that the fight against the system was making progress with the prom ise of eventual success, editorial ly declares today:
 From Birmingham comes the report that the movement to abolish the convict leasing system now in effect in Alabama is headed towards successful con- clusion.
 It is hoped so.
 Such a system Is repugnant to American ideals and institu- tions and reflects great discredit on any state that is guilty of it.
 "Recent exposures in convict leasing sections have revealed horrors at which the humane everywhere have revolted Those who know the system know that such horrors are inherent in it.
 Alabama and other states that tolerate convict leasing cannot act too quickly in stamping out a system that is reproach to their civilization"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-30
BERLIN DECIDES TORESUME PAYING
Announcement Carries With It Provision That Means
 To Pay Exist

BERLIN, Dec. 2s.-(By Associated Press.)-In view of pending foreign negotiations. says an official an- nouncement today, the government has decided to resume payment or the costs of the allied occupation. provided that means of payment really exist. It is explained the pay ment will be for "a restricted period and within the narrowest limits"
 At the same time the government has resolved to concltide as speedily as possible the present diplomatic negotiations on the subject. Payment of the allied occupation has been suspended since the Franco-Belgian occupation of the Ruhr.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-30
SEVERE WEATHER IS
 FORECAST FOR SOUTH
Entire Country Will Be In Grip Of
 Cold Monday

NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 1S.-oeVere cold weather for Oklahoma and west Texas was forecasted tonight by the weather bureau. Zero weather IS pre- dicted by, tomorrow night. Arkansas and east Texas will have tempera- lures as low as 10 degrees.
 The cold wave will be accompan- fed by strong north winds.
 The weather bureau announced that a long trough central over Col orado with pressure of 2S.9 inches at Denver extends from west to east. A large area of high pressure north of the trough Is central over klberta and is attended by severe cold wave in the northern Rocky mountain states and the upper Mis- souri valley with temperatures be- low zero in the Dakotas and north ern wyoming. and 20 degrees below zero in northern Montana. Snow has fallen in the northern Rock mountain states in the last 24 hours.
 Partly cloudy to unsettled weather is indicated Sunday and Monday probably with rain in portions of east Texas. The cold wave will ex- tend southward over the northern portion of the district Sunday and Sunday. night and much colder is in- dicated in the southern portion Mon- day. s
 DENVER, Col, Dec. 2s.-Tempera- lures below zero in Denver within trict weather bureau today. The se- verely cold wave promises to be ac- companied by snow or rain extending over all parts of the Rocky mountain region excepting southeastern New Mexico.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-30
COOLIDGE TO KEEP UP HAND SHAKE CUSTOM
President Will Receive Visitors In
 Rlue Room New. Years Day

WASHINGTON, Dec. 29.-President and Mrs. Coolidge will continue the New Years custom of shaking hands with thousands of people as New Year greetings despite the physical strain that the ceremonial requires.
 Physicians have expressed the opinion that the continual hand shaking in which President Harding participated was strain upon his physical energies. President Cool idge, however, has not received any thing like the number of people with whom Harding was accustomed to shake hands every day at the execu- tive offices
 President and Mrs Coolidge will stand in the blue room and greet the visitors as they file past On New that President' Harding shook hands. with 7,500 people, standing more than five hours, to do it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-30
Control Of Landings Along Future Paths Will Be
 Sought
WA SN1NCrON

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2s.-The American navy, on its dirigible ex- ploring expedition into the Arctic, will seek to secure for the United States control of possibly the most strategic air routes of the future.
 'If 1t fulfills the expectations of the naval officials who planned it." said one authority, "it will secure to the United States military and eco- homie advantages of greater conse- quence to the nation than any eX- petition of it's kind since Lewis and Clark added an empire to the coun- try over a century ago"
 The expedition, according to the recommendation of the naval plan ming board, will consist of the great naval dirigible. Shenandoah, sup ported by a fleet of airplanes and sea vessels with mooring mast.
 Chief among the epoch making re- suits to which it is hoped the expe- dition may lead are discovery of land within the million square mile tract which heretofore has been absolutely unknown; charting of practicable air routes over the North Polar regions which, when supplemented with nec- essary bases, will reduce the flying distances between the great centers of population of the world by many thousands of miles; and acquisition under the American flag of territory which in the aerial warfare of the future may become the most strategic position of the globe.
 O O Q
 
 American control of necessary landings on the great air routes crossing the polar cap would give the United States a position surpassing in importance any strategic point such as Gibraltar or Panama, now dominating various sea routes. An air fleet based in the Arctic would be within cruising distance of north ern Europe, Russia. Siberia or Ja- pan, as well as so situated as to de- fend the polar routes against attack upon North America.
 From a scientific standpoint the journey is expected to net a collec- tion of meteorological data of inesh- mable value in forecasting the weather throughout the middle west. Weather conditions effecting the cen- ter of the continent depend in a large measure on disturbances originating in the unknown region north of Alaska.
 Also it is hoped that importan, mineral deposits. comparable to the coal fields of Spitzbergen, in a sim liar latitude on the other side of the Arctic, may be discovered
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-30
MUNITIONS IF WAR ASSURED
 TO M EX|CANS
Government Now Threatened
 With Rebel 0nsIaughts Will
 Buy Military Planes, Rifles And Possibly Other Arms ADMINISTRATIONS ACTION IS SURPRISE AT CAPITAL RevoIutionists Gain Advan-
 tage Through Desertion Of Garrison At Port Of Tuxpam
 To Colonel lsmaeI Rueda

WASHINGTON, Dec. 29.-(By As sociated Press. )-The Washington government has agreed to sell q quantity of war material to the Obregon government in Mexico.
 The decision was reached after request for such action had been re- ceived from the Obfagon government and is understood to have been prompted by a desire to aid that gov ernment. which is faced by an armed uprising.
 Although details of the transaction are still pending before Secretary Weeks. the material involved Is said to include, military rifles now stored at Fort Sam Houston or other army depots near the border and 10 mill itary airplanes. It is probable that ammunition for the rifles and other equipment are included. The report was to the effect that the Obregon government contemplated an eXpendi- ture of about S750, 900 for the ma- terials.
 Decision of the Washington admin istration to make the sale came some what as surprise, inasmuch' as President Harding on April 23, last. made a statement of policy for the war and navy departments which op- posed the sale of any surplus military equipment to foreign powers. Statement Given out.
 Inquiry at the state department. produced only the following state- ment:
 ''The Mexican government has pre- sented a request to this geyernna ae mt to sell it limited quantity of war material.
 All of the material contemplated for sale is now available at army depots in the Eighth corps area. No orders have yet been sent by the war department to make deliveries, but It IS assumed that rifles will be taken from surplus stocks of American manufactured Enfields which were turned over in vast quantities during the World war The war department also has on hand a vast supply of ammunitionti much of which probably would become useless with deteriora- tion before it could be used by the American army.
 No information was obtainable as to the type of army planes likely to be delivered to the Mexican govern ment. The army air service also still has war surplus of machines rapid ly becoming obsolete, although still entirely suitable for the purposes of the Mexican government in its present conflict with the De La Huerta forces.
 Harding Laid Down Policy.
 The statement of policy in the mat ter Of sale of surplus military eoiup- ment to foreign powers was laid down
 Continued on Page Two)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-30
Falling Balls Of Fire Thought To Have Been Burning French DirigibIe .Dixmude

PARIS. Dec. 29-What happened to the missing French dirigible Dix nude? While theory holds that the mighty airship exploded off the coast of Sicily and sank into the sea, the mystery of it's fate and the cause of that fate continue to absorb the French government and people.
 Messages from Sciaccs, Sciliy, near where the. body of Captain Duplexis De Greneden, commander of the dirigible, was found floating in the sea, said that several persons early Thursday morning saw mysterious lights flashing over the water.
 The station master reported a great ball of fire over the sea for 6 few seconds about 2:5O a. m. This was the exact hour at which the watch ing had stopped.
 Other railway employees also re- ported seeing big balls of light in the sky and watching them sink into the sea. All of which tends to Con firm the theory that the ship ex- ploded, was struck by lightning or was fired by the crew and sank into the sea,
 Advices from Sciacca tonight said the Identification of the body of Commander Du Plexis De Greneden was completed beyond all doubt.
 The commander wore his service coat with the golden eagle of the French aviation corps, his heavy fur lined officers overcoat and rubber shoes.
 o o O
 Wedding Ring In Pocket.
 His wedding ring was found In his pocket with photograps of his three children and money.
 There also were several undeveloped films, presumably with pictures taken during the flight.
 The body was placed in a coffin and taken to the Italian military bar racks. where the local commander placed a guard of honor around it.
 Messages up to an early hour to-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-30
LACK OF FIRE DRILLS IN INQUIRY
Asylum Building Also Declared Fire
 Hazard

CHICAGO, Dec 29.-A. coroner's jury Investigating the fire at the state hospital for the insane at Dun hing. in which IS patients and at- tendants lost their lives Wednesday today heard witnesses declare that no fire drill had been held there for more than two years and that all the Cunning buildings constitute fire hazards.
 Edgar Martin, superintendent architect of the state department of public works and buildings, said that he would not class all the buildings at Dunning as fire traps" but de- cl4red that they were not fire proof and unless there were enough at- tendants well organized to act in an emergency, there would be small chance to get all the inmates out in case of another fire"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-30
U. s. SHIP ORDERED TO. HONDURAS COAST
Warship Is Sent To Protect Amer ican IntereStS

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2s.-The flag ship, Rochester, of the special serv- proceed to the coast Of Honduras. Where the political situation has ereat ed danger of a revolution, the state department said today.
 The American warsliip will protect American interests. The Honduran minister here today received report from his government, denying re- port that Honduran troops had in.
 Reported inchrsion. by Honduran troops into Nicaragua territory absolutely false." the cable stated.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-30
FOUR KILLED M CROSSING CRASH
Fifth Probably Fatally h. jured In Grade Collision
 In Carolina

COLUMBIA, S. C., Dec. 29-Fopr persons were killed and fifth prob ably fatally injured this afternoon when their automobile and a South ern railway train were in a collision at grade crossing near Aiken, ;. C., according to a long distance telephone message to the Associated Press. The dead, three men and a woman, were travelling in an auto mobile with New York license No 72S-0S4, and are believed to have been tourists, bound for Florida.
 The names of the dead were given in the message as Al Berber, J. TaIin and MT. and Mrs. Paul Resen. The injured man was not identified
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-30
AMBASSADOR. FROM BRITAIN. RESIGNS POST
Broken Health Believed To Be Reason For Failure Of Sir Auckland Geddes To Return To Washington
 INFORMED CIRCLES SAY HOWARD TO GET PLACE Selection Of Successor View ed With Great Moment In England, Where Post Is Considered Very Important,

WASHINGTON. Dec. 2e.-(ByI As sociated Press.)-Failing health, due to injuries received in the World war. has caused Sir Auckland Geddes to resign his post as ambassador for Great Britain at Washington and 1t is the expectation in informed circles here that Sir Esme William Howard, at present British ambassador at Mad rid, will be named as his successor.
 Although virtually. an invalid for several months, suffering from eye trouble caused by gas on the western front, the resignation of Sir Auckland came somewhat as surprise, for re- cent word from England. where he has been on leave, had indicated that he was improving and would sail for America next week.
 Officials both at the state depart ment and at the British embassy des clined to discuss the resignation, pending formal announcement from London. Sir Auckland is understood to have been in constant communica- tion in recent months from England with members of the embassy staff and other friends in Washington and invariably to have written optimis- tically of his health and his expecta- tion of ultimately being able to re- turn to his post at Washington.
 He was stricken last spring with the eye trouble, recurrence of malady during the years since the war, and for weeks was confined to a dark room but eventually re- covered sufficiently to return last June in feeble health to England. It was his intention to remain there only three months but twice that time elapsed without the necessary i'm provement being noted in his condi- tion. His resignation is understood to be due exclusively to considera- Sons of health
 Formerly Served Here.
 Sir Esme is known in Washington diplomatic life through residence here from 1906 to 1908 as counsellor Of the British embassy and, therefore, would not come here a stranger He entered the diplomatic service in 1889 and prior to his appointment to Mad rid in 1919, served for six years as minister to Sweden, and from 1911 to 1913 as minister to Switzerland. Like Sir Auckland, he is veteran of the South African war, where both distinguished themselves under fire.
 He is 60 years old and in 1898 mar ried Lady Isabelle Guistiniani- Bandini, daughter of Prince Guis- tiniani- Bandini, earl of Newburg. He has held various diplomatic posts at Rome Berlin, Crete, Vienna and Bud apest. In 1886 he was secretary to the Earl of Carnarvon in Ireland ana in 1894 private secretary to the Earl of Kimberley, secretary of taste for foreign affairs. He was member of the British delegation to the Paris peace conference in 1919.
 The change in ambassadors here CO., incides for the first time In many years with a change of American ann bassadors at the court of St. James, through the recent resignation of Ambassador Harvey and the appoint ment of former Senator Kellogg of Minnesota. The situation thus created however, Is regarded as of minor
 fCoufiuued On Page Four)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-30
DOINGS OF DAY M WASHINGTON


 The weather bureau announced that winter at last Is on the way.
 The war department revealed that the army had developed the most powerful gun of it's type In the world.
 Internal revenue commissioners Blair denied knowledge of, the celebrated bootlegg scandal. \
 The Armored cruiser Rochester was ordered to Amapala. Honduras, as a ests in war-torn Honduras and south ern Mexico. i
 It was learned that Sir Auckland Geddes, British ambassador to the United States had resigned and proba : bly would be succeeded by Sir Esme William Howard, now ambassador to Spain -,s--------.-.- < }
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-30
JAPANS CABINET HAS AGAIN QUIT
Second Resignation Follows Rulers Refusal To Ac- cept The First

TOKYO, Dec. 29.-The Japanese cabinet today resigned for the second time in IS hours.
 Immediately following the attack December 27 on Prince Hihohto by a would-be assassin. the cabinet of fered a joint resignation as evidence of it's deep humiliation
 Yesterday the prince regent for nally refused the resignation.
 Today the ministry subrr<gted to the prince regent its resignation for a second time.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-30
DENIESMISSGREEN WILL WED PRINCE
Engagement Of New York Girl To Danish Royalty
 Twice Rum0red

NEW YORK, Dec. 29.-Dr. James O. Green denied tonight that ms daughter, Miss Eleanor Margaret Green, was engaged to Prince Visgo of Denmark. as announced from Copenhagen recently. Members Of the family until today had declined to comment upon the Copenhagen dis patch.
 Miss Green. 1t was said, was out of the city.
 It was recalled that twice pre- viously 1t had been announced that Miss Green and Prince Viggo were engaged and on both occasions de- nials were issued here.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-30
REED STILL DENIES HE SEEKS NOMINATION
Says He Knows Nothing About :. Reports Concerning COhalan

KANSAS CITY, Mo, Dec. 29.-Sena- tor James A. Reed of Missouri, reit- erated here today denial that he would seek democratic nomination for the presidentcy. Questioned con- corning the resignation of Daniel F. cohalan as justice of the supreme court of New York state, who today refused to comment on reports that he would manage campaign to nominate the senator. Senator Reed declared he knew nothing whatever about 1t, and declared circulation of the reports had caused him consider abla annoyance
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-30
DELTA THETA PHI BADGE tS BESTOWED
Ralph ,Adams Of Kansas City Is
 Elected Chancellor

CLEVELAND Dec, 29.-The dia- mond crown badge, the highest honor in the Delta Theta Phi Nat ational league fraternity was awarded. to William Fl. Thomas, Cleveland. re- tiring chancellor at the final ses- sion of the convention today. Ralph l.. Adams, Kansas City, Mo, was elected chancellor. M
 The Fraternity established an en- dowment fund of s10,000 toward the building of homes for the various college chapters.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-30
TISNOW POSSIBLE
 TO HEAR PIN DROP
Sounds Like.FaIling Of CroW-
 bar When Heard Over
 Radio Amp|ifier X

LONDON, Dec. .29.-Yop could have heard pin drop. my dear-a familiar: nfterance. Now science has found a way to make pin drop with d crash.
 pr J. H. II. Roberts, giving prae- ,ieal demonstration along with his, lecture on "The Wonders of Wire-, less" at the Westminster Central hall. n.ployed amplifiers. and magnified the sound of pin dropping to the yloor to that of a scrowbar.- Salt was poured out and sounded like rocks fallinF
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-30
FASTEST U. S. SHIP
New Cruiser Makes 34.S Knots on Trial Rum

TACOMA, Wash, Dec. 29.-For four hours yesterday the new scout cruiser Cincinnati churned the open ocean under the eyes of the naval trial board and returned to Tacoma adjudged the fastest American ves- sel afloat.
 The records show a sustained speed.l for four hours of 34.s knots. The Cincinnati will be turned over to the navy Monday at Bremerton.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-30
AGE-HERALD'S
 1923
 REVIEW

Complete summary of busi- ness, commerce, finance, politics. national and world events will be found on pages 6 and 7 main news section of today's Age-Herald
 Further. statistics on Bir- mingham's remarkable develop ment in 1923 will be found on pages one and two of local news section of today's Age-Herald. q
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-30
SENATE PAGES FEAST
Chairnan Of Women's Party Comes To Rescue With Spread

WASHINGTON, pee. ga 4-senate pages feasted today at their annual holiday dinner despite the loss Of the officiat host--the vice president. Mss Maud Younger, congressional chairman of the National Women's party. came. to the rescue and spread the table when 1t was learned Sena- tor Cummfns. president pro tenn of tho Senate, was outeof town.
 Youthful lobbyists of the woman s party advocating passage of the equal rights constitutional amend- ment, acting as witnesses and Sem ator Caraway of Arkansas. as Santa Claus distributed glfts.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-30
Lively Contests foreseen
STATE CAPITAL BUREAU ]
 THE AGE-HERALD
MontComery, Ala, Dec.

MUntEOmtfy, NH, DeC @5
 Politics is expected to warm up considerably in Alabama with the advent of the New Year, and lively contests are already assured for several offices. There will be con- tests for the judgeships of the su- preme court and one of the court of appeals, and for the office of commissioner of game and fisheries,
 (Continued On Page Four)