davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-01
IRELAND IN GREATER. PEACE AND SECURITY. THAN FOR MANY YEARS'

LONDON. Dec. 91.-william Cos grave. president of the Dail Eireann. today contributed a long article to the Times. in which he reviews Irish achievements during the year and since the treaty was signed.
 MT. Cosgrave expresses satisfaction that. notwithstanding difficulties with regard to the irregulars and the boundary question. the new year finds Ireland in a condition of greater peace and security than she has enjoyed In a long time. with the foundation of tho Free State firmly laid and with tho Free State possess Ing status and authority equal to those of any of the great free na- tions composing the British common wealth.
 Pointing out that there are many indications of a return to peaceful and law abiding conditions. Mir. Cos grave says that the greatest essen tlal now to an enduring peace. not only In Ireland, but also in the Brit ish commonwealth and In America. Is restoration of the natural unity of the Irish nation. now artificlally severed by statute,
 In conclusion, Mir, Cosgrave ex- pressed the confident hope that be- fore long the advantages of unity md the folly of partition will be rec ognized throughout the country,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-01
WILLIAM H. H. HUDSON VETERAN EDITOR OF. BESSEMER IS DEAD


 William H. Judson, veteran news paper man and formerly editor of the Bessemer Weekly, died at 11:SO o'clock Sunday morning at his home on Clarendon avenue. Bessemer. after an illness of several weeks. MT, ,fudsea 4sssl 80 years eote and had lived in Bessemer for about 35 years. He was regarded as a forceful writer and convincing editorialist and was noted for the fearlessness with which he declared his convictions.
 MT. Judson was born in Oswego, H., May 30, 1S43. He was graduated from the University of Illinois at the head of his class, and later completed his law course in Chicago. At the age of 23, he served as judge of hia county.
 He was early married to Miss Eliza Verdin of Missouri, and removed to New Orleans. There he became man ager of the New Orleans Democrat, which he later consolidated with the New Orleans Times.
 About 35 years ago, at the instiga- tion of H. F. DeBardeleben and Maj, E. A. Burke, he came to Bessemer and became owner and editor of the Bes- semer Weekly. He continued to work actively in that capacity until about year and half ago. when he was forced to retire on account of his health.
 MT Judson was a member of a number of journalistic societies. He had been a member of the Alabama Press association since it's founding.
 MT Judson is survived by two daughters. Mrs. Lee Moody and Mrs. Dan C. Davis of Bessemer.
 Funeral services will be held Tues day afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the residence. The Rev Mir. Stokes Of Nashville. formerly pastor of the First Methodist church, will officiate, as sisted by Rev B. T. Waites. Burial will be in Cedar Hill cemetery, with Huey & Mcconnell in charge.
 Pallbearers will be: l.. D. Bruns, J. H. Haffner, William Simmons, A. K. Williamson, pr. D. F. Lacey, Dr. O. T. Dozier, Sr., Ted M. Joy, Dr. E. M. Robinson. John F. Fletcher of Bir- mingham. and members of the Wesley Bible class of the First Methodist church Bessemer
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-01
F|RE[OSSESOF BIRMINGHAM ARE|NCREASED
Records of Department Show Total Fire Loss of $822,- 412.58--P Property h.
 voIVed in Fire Risk
 Up in Millions

Fires in Birmingham, having vari- ous origins, during the year ending December 31, 1922, caused losses to buildings and contents valued at $708, ,412.58, according to statistics compiled in the office of J. L. Akin, chief of the fire department, Satur- day. In addition to the above men, toned loss there are still $114,000 losses sustained to buildings caused by fire that have not been adjusted and are not included in annual re- ports until such adjustments are eff fected. The loss of 1922 is an in crease of $60, ,437 ,86 over 1921.
 Although Birmingham firemen have fought valiantly against flames that formed odds against them, and have gone into burning buildings where death stared them in the face. only ne casualty has resulted, that being from the fire at the Birmingham Buggy company, where. high-pow- cred electric line came into contact with a human being. Several mem bers of the department have received ugly burns while fighting fires or severe bruises from falling timbers, no others have been even dangerously wounded while in the actual perform ance of their duty.
 Chief Akin stated that while the loss to burning buildings appears large upon it's face. 1t is in reality comparatively small, the total value of the buildings and their contents placed iR jeanard. # fi1iaSs being estimated bs rna . lerwriters at $19,1S2, ,445.63. The buildings alone were estimated at S9,563,493.90 and their contents at $S,57S,953.73. The value on buildings swells the amount jeopardized by an enormous extent, although the fires at the various places may amount to only few dol lars.
 This was evidenced by the fire at the Jefferson County Bank building last month, when a mail box, located in the basement of the building,
 
 ing was roughly estimated at S2,O00.- 900. inclusive of contents, which amount was placed In jeopardy, ac- cording to the report of the investi- gators. The December report has not yet been completed, although the fire loss to Birmingham during the month Is included in the total losses, and was estimated at $40.000.
 Chief Akin was proud of the record set by his men for their efficient work in extinguishing fires. Their valiant work at the scene of the fire at Oster Bros, where the flames from the burning building illuminated the sky for miles around, Is merely one instance of the courage of the fire men in fighting against overwhelm- ing odds. Chief Akin declared that such continuous work on their part will be responsible for his success ful administration of the affairs of the department.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-01
ALLIED PREMIERS ARE.
 AGAIN GATHERING IN. PREPARATIONS PARLEfI
By Associated Press

PARIS. Dec 3l.-The official open ing of the premiers' conference on separations is set for Tuesday with the expectation that it will continue al least until Saturday. if not far into the following week.
 The main fact would appear to be that the conference will proceed with greater calm than similar conferences if the mutual expressions of good will between the British and French premiers count for anything.
 The great question is whether the British plan for reduction of the Ger man debt ard granting a moratorium will prevail or whether the French will have their way and enter the Ruhr
 While the absence of Premier Mus solinl of Italy Is hardly commented on by the French newspapers there Is running through their editorials the thought that tho United States may in some intangible manner clear up the situation by a reduction of Its credits. coupled with similar acton by Great Britain.
 When Bonar Law, British premier. and members of the British delega, ton arrived this evening. Bonar Law was asked:
 Do yeu think the conference VIII be successe
 He laughed and exclaimed What questlon'"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-01
JUDGE H. p. MERRITT IS ILL IN BIRMINGHAM

Judge Henry P Merritt, member of the Alabama court of appeals and for several years speaker of the house of representatives of the Alabama legislature, who has been i'll for some time. wasemoved from Montgomery to Birmingham Sunday. where he was placed under the care of pr. J. s. McLester. 930 Twentieth street. south.
 Judge Merritt has been confined to a Montgomery hospital for 10 weeks by fever. and has been unable to at tend the sessions of the court. It is said that he is greatly interested in proposed Legislation :S come before the legislature when Il meets and Is anxious to attend the session.
 While his condition Is said not to be serious. 1t is feared that he will be unable to be present when the leg Isiature meets. He was accompanied to Birmingham by Mrs. Merritt.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-01
LINERS CREW WINS FIGHT AGAINST STORM

CAPE MAY. N. Jo Dec. sl.-The crew of the Munsen liner Munmotor, Norfolk to Boston. with coal. has won q two-day fight with heavy gales which smashed matches and threatened to enguif the vessel, Capt, n, c, Weightman of the coast guard cutter Kickapoe reported today on his return from answering an SOS call from the Munmttor.
 When the Kiekapeo reached the Munmotor on Thursday, the steamer. about leo miles off Cape May, was waliowing with a heavy list in high seas, and her crew Of 25 were work ing the pumps sn water up to their sh~sldors, The kickapeo stCed by for twe days ready to take off the crew, but by Saturday the Munmot0r had lighted herself,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-01
RAILROAD SHIPMENTS
 ARE LARGE IN SPITE OF LABOR TROUBLES

WASHINGTON. Dec s1--Iu spite Of c1r Shortage and strike conditions which railroads encountered, they moved more agricultural products during 1922 than ever before, accord ing 10 a statement today by the car service division of the American Rail way association. On the basis of re- turns for the first 50 weeks of the year. railroads handled 2,370,625 cars of grain and grain products, or 8 per cent more than in 1921; while live stock shipments increased nine per cent over 1921. and five per cent over 1920.
 Excluding coal. production of which was cut by the strike, the car service divisions reports also showed record breaking traffic
 There were S5.O74.090 car loads ot freight of all classes other than coal handled. the statement said. This was 93s.1Ss more than moved in 1921. Coal bulks so largely in transporta- tion volume totals, however. that the amount of all tonnage moved is ex- pected to prove somewhat smaller for 1922 and 1920
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-01
WOMEN'S PARTY WILL NOT ATTEND FARLEY

WASHINGTON, Dec, si.-Assertlng that the conference on women tn in custry, called by the weman's bureau of the department of labor, for Jan uary II, , and is, in Washington. is intended to present biased View of the question presented by welfare legislation for women. the National W omans Party, through Miss Alice Paul, vice president, has com munieated with Miss Mary Anderson. chief of the weman's bureau, re- fusing an invitation to participate n the discussions.
 Miss Paul's letter, made public to- night, said that the WOmans Party stands for equality of women with rren iH industrial opportunity and industrial legislation and we do not therefore wish to attend any confer ence at which that point of view IS refused a hearing. while the views of those who oppose such equality are presented at length.
 Miss Anderson recently informed her. Miss Paul said, that the Wom- ans Party ceuld not be given place on the conference program. owing to the many organizations already given placsa
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-01
ALABAMA TAXES FRRG2ff{yT RANK IN SOCIAL PROGRESS
Fronce Re;ecfs Non- Wor Treofv W;fb Gor,no, Noto,
Washington BeieUes Fall To Resign Cabinet Office

There are many reports regarding the man with whom the President shall fill the cabinet vacancy. It is said that Secretary Hoover will be promoted. At any rate, there will be berth for another of the so- called flame ducks" who suffered as result of the recent congressional elections. Senators New and Kel- logg are already mentioned.
 In Ohio there is Garmi Thompson, a warm friend of the President, a former cabinet officer, and recent aspirant for the office of governor of that state. Then there is w. H. Brown of Ohio, the man selected by the President to succeed him as a member of the Senate. But, as in the Thompson case, in the Brown case the people of Ohio acted con- trary to the wishes of the executive. Senator Willis succeeded to the Harding chair in the Senate.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-01
NEW YEARS EVE IS PASSED QUIETLY BY NATIONS EXECUTIVE

WASHINGTON. Dec. al.-New Years Eve passed quietly for Presi- dent Harding. He spent the evening at the White House with Mrs. Hard Ing. who has moved about little since ner recent Illness. The only callers were personal friends.
 Formal receptions which hava charasterlzed tho holiday season in prevl6us years at the White House were called off. much to Mrs. Hard ing's regret, to avoid disturbance 10 her convaleseence, and there was every Indication that tomorrow would be an unusually quiet holiday at the executive mansion,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-01
STORY OF 1872 |S ONE IF PROGRESS,
 HOOVER DECLARES
Prospects Are Favorable For Ensuing Year, Secretary of Commerce SayS--Europe
 Is Recovering

WASHINGTON. Dec. 3t.-The story of 1922 is one of world economic progress and prospects are favorable for 1923 Secretary Hoover declared in a statement tonight. His state ment, compiled from reports of spe- cial investigators in all parts of the earth, expressed complete confidence concerning the remolding of the del icate economic machine wrecked by the World war
 "An economic forecast cannot amount to more than a review of tendencies and a hazard in the fu- ture,' he said. 9The world begins the year with greater economic strength than year ago; production .sne xraae arc i1siii q larger and @.bre fsuhstantaf basis with the single cx- ception of the sore spot in Central Europe The healing force of busi- ness and commerce has gained sub stantial ascendancy over destructive Political and social forces. There is ample reason why there should be continued progress during the nex. 12 montha."
 Europe Recovering
 The secretary declared that outside of three or four states in central Europe" the world had shaken it. self free from the after the war slump. The social stability has gained, he said, urging that the ex- captions in Europe not be allowed to obscure the profound forces of pro- gress elsewhere. In the main. he added, even in the areas referred to as sore spots" the difficulties are to large extent fiscal and political.
 In addition to the social betterment, MT. Hoover mentioned as other net gains for 1922 and guide lines to 1923 the following:
 "Bolshevism has greatly diminished and even in Russia has been re- placed by a mixture of socialism and individualism.
 Active war, at least, has ceased for the first time since 1914
 Famine and distress have di- unfinished to much less numbers this winter than since the great war be- gan.
 Production has increased greatly during the year.
 Unemployment Is less r. world totals than since the armlstlI
 International commerce T. creasins.
 "The world is now pretty gene. purchasing its commodities by the normal exchange of service and goods. a fact which in itself marks an enormous step in recovery from the strained movements of credit and gold which followed the war
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-01
Dreement Stipulated That Neither Nation Should Wage PhNar Upon Other For One Generation Without Holding
 Referendum Upon Question PACT PROPOSED THROUGH SMALL NEUTRAL NATION Suggested Some World Power
 Not Interested in Rhine Be GuardianofA Agreement Plan
 Meets With Scant Approval
 by the French Government
By Associated Press :

HAMBURG, Dec. 31.-The Fran |co-German non-war pact proposed 7by Germany to France through the mediation of a neutral power has Ibeen rejected by Premier Poincare. This statement was made by German Chancellor Wilhelm Cuno |in a speech before the Hamburg bourse today.
 The chancellor's revelation was the first official admission that the German government had recently undertaken serious steps to placate French war apprhensions, and incl dentally dispose of the recurrent French accusations that Germany wtls arming for new war.
 Proposed Referendum
 z Ths German New Years non-war f 9NsssfFt twcpu sa 3RsaFsss tt.pctfsh Eamed power, probat y eithar yitzerfand or Holland, and provided or a solemn pledge by ail the powers interested in the Rhine that none of them should wage war on the others Tor a generation, without active au- thori7ation of their people as ex- pressed through a popular referen- dun in all the countries involved.
 The German government stipulated that a world power which was not Interested in the Rhine should he guardian or trustee of this pledge. Such an obligation. Chancellor Cuno stated, would commit each nation '. hich was party to the pact to a peace policy and would afford the most secure guarantee conceivable.
 France Rejects
 "To my regret" he said. France has seen fit to reject our proposal" The major part of the chancellor's Veech was devoted to discussoin ,H separations and their effect on M he national and international situ- #uon. He gave the barest outlines 4of the new German proposals, de- Felaring that the government had de- cided to name a definite sum which sit believed it would be able to pay Jeff through the aid of a system of adomestic and foreign loans, He ex- 3 ressed strong approval of the senti- ' lents voiced by the American Secre- Ftsry of State at New Haven and be- lieved Mir. Hughes views closely tall lied with those entertained by the Germans.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-01
SOL0ISTS ANNOUNCED FOR CHORAL SOCIETY


 Three of the four soioists for the oratorie Messiah" to be given by the Birmin gham Choral society next Sunday afternoon. were announced Sunday by Mrs, w, J. Adams. chair man of the active committed. Mrs. Robert Caldwell of Nashville will be the centraito soioist, Mrs, sibyl Sam mis MaeDermid of New York, wife of James MacDermid. the composer, will sing the soprano role, and Walter Greene of New York will be the bass soloist. Arrangements are now being made, according to Mrs, Adams, to pr ooure the teneF soioist. and an nc uHeement of this will be made in few days,
 Final rehearsal has been called by O. Gordon Erickson, director, for Tuesday evening at s o'clock at the Clark < Jones recital hail,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-01
PARIS NEWSPAPER Isl ,PESSIMISTIC 0V E RI 'PREMIERS' MEETING
By Associated Press

pARIs, Dec. 3I.-The year 1928 for France begins as the past four years have ended. namely, with an inter national conference. says the Temps this evening in an article which strikes rather a pessimistic note as to the probable outcome of the Paris conference.
 Dr. Karl Gergmann. German finan- cia1 expert. is expected to arrive Tuesday. 1t says. but the propositions which he Is bearing are certain to fIT4d no favor in the eyes of the French government. which probably V III refuse to examine them official ly. Although 1t realizes that the reparations questions has come to a L2arting of the ways. the French gov #rnment must decide whether 1t in- #ends to retain freedom of action" or follow England's lead.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-01
WASHINGTON BUREAU
 THE AGE-HERALD Washington. D. C.. Dee, 3I

Authority, apparently, has been given to the existing and last of in- numerable reports that Albert B. Fall will tender his resignation as Secretary of the Interior, effective March 4.
 In administration circles the report is attended by 1nsistent explanations that the proposed resignation is not the result of friction At the same time, it is known that Fall has not been happy as member of the Presidents family, assigned to the department of the interior.
 The former senator from New Mexico thought, in the beginning, that the President should reward his pre-conyention efforts more hand somely. He wanted to be Secretary of State.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-01
STEAMSHIP FL0ATED AFTER GREAT EFFORT

CHARLESTON, B. C., Dec. s1.-The steamship Santa Rosa of the Grace line. which went agroupl Tuesday near the entrance 10 Charleston har- bor was floated today, The vessel. rndamaged, then proceeded to this port.
 Seven tugs and coast guard cut ter had worked since Tuesday to get the ship off the sand, but she was rot floated until l,500 tons of her cargo of nitrate ef soda, which she was bringing frem Chile. had been taken eff,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-01
B BERGDOIIS SHIP
 IS DELAYED AT SEA

PENSACOLA. Fla, Dec. sl.-The German steamer Jupiter, aboard which Grover Cleveland Bergdoll is reported to be attempting to enter the United States ineognito, and which is now overdue, failed 10 ar rive today Heavy weather on the Atlantic during the last week is be- li-ved to be responsible for her de- lay, A close watch is being kept by port and department of justice off eials and arrangements have been made to board the Jupiter immedi- ately after she crosses the three mile limit. The time of her arrival is uncertain
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-01
BOARD PRE ED|CTS
 STEADY INCRE EASE IN ]. $. SHIP INC
Completion of Panama Canal and Protection Offered by CoaStWiSe Laws Aid
 America
Ry AssocIated Press

WASHINGTON, Dec. 31.--Comple- ton of the Panama vanal and protec- tion offered by the coastwise laws of the United States are largely re- sponsible for the fact that the amount of idle privately owned American tonnage is not much great CT than at present, according to an analysis of the intercoastal move ment made public tonight by the shipping board. The boards bureau of research estimated the present movement at 3,500,0 GOO tons 8 year with every prospect of steady in crease.
 After the beginning of the acute depression in ocean freight rates in 1920, when q majority the Ameri-f can shtnpiris organ;as.slanS eilg $ ed in foreign trade eithef went out of business. or retired to the West In- dian or coastwise trades, the paralyz- ing effect of the recent rail strike accelerated the growth of traffic through the Panama canal, tae bu reau said, adding that the coast wise laws made 1t possible only for American ships to handle this busi- ness.
 Rapid Growth Reported
 During August. September and Oc- tober, cargo movements from the At lantic and Gulf coasts to the Pa cific coast totaled 393, 490 tons, ex- elusive of oil in bulk. During the same period, the movement in the re- verse direction was 442.S26 tons, eX- elusive of oil. making the total inter- coastal shipments through the canal for the three months sS6,766 tons. or at the rate of nearly S,5000 900 toHs year. NI
 Engaged in this service were 9S vessels, aggregating about 900,000 deadweight tons and representing almost half of the privately owned American tonnage suftable for over seas trade.
 Although keen competition created what almost amounted to a rate war between the various companies operating, according to the bureau. the rapid growth of business, was such that additional vessels have been placed in the intercoastal trade since the figures were completed.
 The developments in the Mexican oil fields and those of southern Cali fornia, the analysis showed, have been such that quantities of oil are being moved from the Pacific coast by water to the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. This movement during the three months amounted to about 100000 barrels.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-01
OLD TIME NEW YEARS CELEBRATION IS HELD AT NATIONAL CAPITAL

WASHINGTON, Dec. 91.--washing- ton tonight plunged Into an old fashioned New Years Eve ceiebra- tion, bent on 1apneking 1898 in an atmosphere of Gptimism,
 Hotels and clubs were crowded with men and women, many prePif- nent in official and diplomatic cir eies, One of the larger hotels was said to have l,500 table reservations,
 While warnings had been issued oy police and prohibition authorities for everyone to Ego slow" hotel proprls- tors said they expected no trouble.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-01
BRITISH DESTROYER ARRESTS U. s. VESSEL NEAR IRISH SHORES

JEENsTowN. Ireland. Dee. si.- The British torpedo boat destroyer yenomous on Friday arrested close Co sCastletown Bere, Ireland. an Amer fiean steamship supposed to bS trying
 to land a cargo Of arms and ammuni- tiou, destroyer patrol had been watching for the vessel for week,
 | The commander of the destroyer {boarded the steamer. accompanied by one of his officers and q party of ma zines, and conveyed her % port by Eefder of the Free State Government.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-01
OFFICERS OF AISNE
 GIVE UP POSITIONS

PARIS. Dee, 3I,--Aii the officers of the general council iH the department @sf the Aishe resigned today as 4hptest to the government against
 &s they regarded as undue political
 tion which has resulted in the
 1 rtment being reduced four tiTB9s &fts classification siaed the arse ye9,