davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-18
No Legally Compelling Rea-
 son For Sale Of Property To Alabama Power Co. Seen By SoIon From North Dakota
REPEATED CRITICISM OF SECRETARY AROUSES HIM
Wounded By Attacks He Takes As Impugning His Personal Integrity-WeekS
 May Ask Congress Verdict
WASHINGTON BUREAU I
 THE AGE-HERALD ! NEn.Ii.,nrAnr. n naA 1

WASHINGTON, D. C., Oct IT, Senator E. F. Ladd of North Dakota today vigorously arraigned John W. Weeks, Secretary of War; because of the sale by the government of Cor gas to the Alabama Power company. and expressed determination to move for an investigation of that transac- tiCn by Congress in the forthcoming 
 The gist of his statement was an argument to the effect that there wa no legally compelling reason for the disposal of the property, and more than a mere insinuation that MT Weeks was animated by desire to serve the Alabama Power com pany. and by partitioning the Muscle Shoals property defeat the offee nf Henry Ford.
 Pressure re Force Probe.
 The adding of the voice of Senator Ladd to that of representative w E. Oliver of Alabama is taken to mean that Ford advocates in both houses will bring such pressure to bear will be the necessary result. In this connection, it is un- derstCod today that the Secretary of War Is becoming so aroused because of the attack against him, which he is said to regard as tending to touch ms personal lHieSi1ly, llldl hS AAdS Insist on putting before Congress all data bearing on his activity, and ask that Congress render a verdict
 It is known definitely that NlN- Weeks is thoroughly convinced that his procedure has not only been en- tirely ethical and fair to every indi- vidual and corporation interested In Muscle Shoals, but has been neces- sary both from a legal standpoint, and his duty to the government
 MT. Weeks may not issue state ment prior to the reconvening of Congress. It is known, however, that he is wounded by the criticism and that he regards it as animated solely by political considerations.
 O O o
 Norris Not DispIeased.
 The prospect of an investigation by Congress into the transaction in-
 (Continued on Page Two)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-18
LEG|SLATO ORS. UNANIMOUS IN
 MOVEFORQU|z
Enid Members Measure Failed To Create Surprise And Was Seen As Part Of Well Laid Plan of SoIons WALTON IMPEACHMENT PAPERS BEING DRAWN UP Rift In Ranks Of Republican Party In State Looms Fol- lowing Denunciation Of Its National Committeeman

OKLAHOMA CITY. Okla, Oct. IT, With papers calling for the impeach- lnent of Governor J. c. Walton now being drawn up by two members of the legislature, resolution calling for an official probe of the activities of the Ku Klux Kan in the state was adopted in the lower house Wednes day, shortly before adjournment for the day.
 The measure was introduced by J. Otgen of Enid and called for a thorough investigation.
 Representative Otgen's move did not come as surprise to the solons, it being apparently part of the well organized plan of action the legisla- tors had perfected when they were called in special session one October Il, by Governor Walton to discuss his anti-mob measure.
 The voting of the resolution was practically unanimous.
 C. o. F. Break Looms.
 A rift in the ranks of the repub- lican party in the state loomed We'd nesday following the denunciation of James Harris of Wagoner, republican national committeeman, by Represen- tative Leslie Salter of Carman.
 Harris had been freely quoted by the press following conference he had with Governor Walton as say ing he would try to get the 12 re- publican senators to vote against any Impeachment measure which the low CT body might return
 In a scathing attack upon Harris salter charged the national commit teeman with betraying the republi- can party by his friendly attitude toward the chief executive.
 In a letter to Senator Edward M. Frye, republican, Harris, Wednes- day night, answered Salter's charges by saying that he had not approached q single member of the upper body and had no intentions of doing so. Attack Pardon Policy.
 The house committee investigating the governors office turned it's guns upon the chief executive's alleged pardon or paroles day. policy.
 Among the many witnesses sum moned was James E. Babb, county at torney of LeFlore county, who a few weeks ago in open court declared if the governor was to continue pardon ing so many criminals the criminal term of court might as well be dis missed.
 Members of the legislature follow ing adjournment refused to comment on a resolution which wax adopted, demanding an investigation be made into the right of 9 legislators to re- tain their seat. A move to add to this list the name of Murray Gibbons, a former speaker of the house, was tabled.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-18
DYNAMITE BLAST KILLS 2; 2;; INJURIES { ONE NEAR CORONA
Charge Placed In Well In Walker County ExpIodeS
 PrematureIy

CORONA, Ala, Oct. --(Special) When a cnarge of dynamite being used to blast rock out of well ex- ploded unexpectedly, Floyd Fondren and Will Baker employed at lumber mill three miles south of here, were instantly killed Tuesday afternoon, according to news received here to- day. Dewie Moore was also seriously injured and is in a Corona hospital
 According to Moore, the men had succeeded in drilling a hole. placing the dynamite and fuse, and had se cured a long pole, tied rich pine torch to the end and made ready for the blast when Fondren, driver of men light the fuse. He then stated that the three men stood bent over the edge of the well trying to light the fuse, which they failed to see ablaze.
 Driven by the power of the blast the rock almost completely demolish- ed the bodies of Baker and Fondren. while Moore was knocked about 20 feet from the well.
 Following his arrival at the hos pital, Moore stated that, seemingly, he remembered seeing the blast and attempted to dodge. Had 1t not been for this, he. too, would probably have been killed.
 Funeral services for MT. Baker were held at Pleasant Hill Chapel Wednes- day afternoon, followed by burial in Pleasant Hill cemetery. He is survived vived by his wife and several chill dren.
 Funeral services for Fondren were held at Madison's cemetery, near Berry, Ala. Thursday morning.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-18
GULF STORM SLOWLY MOVING N0RTHWARD
Disturbance Of Much Intensity Cen
 tral On Mississippi

WASHINGTON, Oct. 17--A disturb ance of considerable intensity was central on the Mississippi coast to- night and moving slowly north, northeastward, the weather bureau announced tonight.
 It was attended by heavy rains in portions of the gulf states and by southeast gales along the Alabama and extreme northwest Florida coast, Pensacola, Fla, reporting maxi mum wind velocity of 60 miles an hour. There were evidences of an other disturbance over the central Gulf of Mexico and still another in the western Caribbean sea, between Jamaica and the Isthmus of Panama Pressure was high Wednesday over the northeastern states and it was high and rising rapidly over the northwest.
 The southern storm will probably move north, northeastward and it will be attended by showers Thurs day and Friday in the Ohio valley. Tennessee and the south Atlantic and east gulf states and in the Lake re- gio- and portions of the middle At lariic states on Friday
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-18
DEFINITE PLAN
 FOR STADIUM .|SSUBNl.TTEO
AF
 Junior Char s Sponsors MovementoS>,n Results In Raising o,ooo Neces- sary s> At First Meeting ESTIM& ED THAT COST WILL BE ABOUT $275, 900 Football Stands Will Be Built In U-Shape To Seat 10000 People And So Designed As to Permit Future Additions

Approximately $30,O0O of a pro- posed S2750O0 to erect a football stadium in Birmingham was promptly subscribed by about 40 business men and football enthusiasts, following enthusiastic endorsement of the pro ject when it was presented by the Junior Chamber of Commerce at a Dutch luncheon in the ball room of the Tutwiler hotel at noon Wednes- day.
 The stadium will be built in the shape of U, to seat 10000 people, and can be added to by the addition of other units on either end of the original structure, it was stated. The project is being sponsored by the Junior Chamber of Commerce, headed by Marvin Sterne, chairman of the committee representing that body. Members of the committee Wednes- day stated the enthusiastic reception of the plans indicated little trouble would be experienced in raising the necessary funds, and attributed the and a number of luncheon meetings in progress at the same hour.
 O O O
 First Subscribers
 A. J. Hawkins, city engineer, was the first person to subscribe for stock. Others are, Crawford Johnson, Sr, 10 shares and S1,0O0 bond; D. E. Me- Lendon, share; Crawford Johnson, Jr., share and promise to sell 10; Dr. H. F. Hanna, 1; A. J. Hawkins, l, and promise to sell 10; John Cox. 1 share; E, R. Teague, s; Tram Ses- sions, 1 and 10; Cnarles Jones, Jr., and 50; Reese Adamson, and three days time; Ralph Russell, 1 and 12; John B. Donaldson of Montgomery, and as many as possible in Mont gomery; Homer Thomas. l, and as many as possible; M. H. Sterne. and
 (COntinued on Page TMOl
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-18
MKELLAR BACKS S| NINE-FOOT STAGE
 TO NEW ORLEANS
Tennessee Senator Declares He Is Convinced Water
 Depth Necessary

CHICAGO. Oct. 7.-(By Associated Press. )--The nine-foot stage of water between Chicago and New Orleans is necessary if shippers of the middle west hope to compete with eastern shippers, the special senate commit tee. holding hearings here on the Me Cormick deep inland water bill, was told here today by traffic men from th eleading manufacturers and ship pers of this section
 Senator Mcclellan of Tennessee, at the dinner given to the committee by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce and the Chicago Association of Com merce said that the hearings had gone far enought to convince him of the necessity of nine foot stage be- tween Chicago and New Orleans, as we'll as the withdrawal of 10000 or more cubic feet of water from Lake Michigan for sanitary and navigation purposes.
 He predicted that the Mccormick bill would pass congress and the waterway become all accomplished fact. He told the commerce bodies that if they needed more water than 10000 feet, he felt sure congress would allow it. , #fS
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-18
TAXICAB COMPANY
 LOSES WEDNESDAY MFIGHT WITHUTY
Appeal To Higher Court For Right To Operate Ex-
 pected To Be Hade

The victory of the Interurban Taxicab corporation, which Monday was granted temporary injunction against the city permitting the op- eration of their taxicabs, proved to be of short duration, as Judge Will liam B. Walker Wednesday morning granted the motion of city attorneys that this injunction be dissolved.
 The case was argued for the city by w. J. Wynn, city attorney, and w. A. Jenkins, assistant city attor- ney. The Interurban Taxicab cor poratiCn was represented by Ralph Quinn and w. F.. Spencer. It is prob ably that the case will be appealed to a higher court, but no notice of such appeal has yet been given.
 In the petition for the temporary injunction, it was stated that appli- cation had been made for city li- censes September 24 to Commissioner of Public Safety w. B. Cloe, who after delay investigated the cars which the taXicab company proposed to operate. After this investigation was completed, the affidavit stated Commissioner Cloe formally refused to issue the licenses, on the ground that the inspection had shown these cars to be unsafe. The taxicab com pany said that the investigation was made by persons prejudiced against them and that the decision to re- fuse licenses was not unanimous Mrs. Mary Echols being absent and w. E. Dickson protesting against the resolution denying the license.
 Members of the company were for merly operators of jitneys but were forced to quit business as a result of vote on the question. The cars they wish to use as taxicabs are those formerly used as jitneys. The temporary order in favor of the taxicab company was issued. .by Judge Roger Snyder Monday, while Judge Walker was busy on another case.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-18
U. 5. TARIFF BODY SETS DATE FOR SUGAR HEARIN C
Commission Will Seek To De- termine Effect Of Duties
 On Prices

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1.-The tariff commission on January IS, will begin public hearings as a part of it's in- qriry into the effect, if any, of tariff duties on the price of sugar to the American consumer
 It was announced today that the commission was determined to go to the bottom of the question and hopes to be able, when it has completed it's investigation to make definite rec ommendation to President Coolidge as to the advisability of the action under flexible provisions of the tar if act.
 Investigators for the commission have about completed their field work in gathering production cost information which, together with in- formation obtained at the hearings in January is expected to provide the commission with incontrovertible facts on the subject.
 The inquiry was begun after charges had been made that the tar if duties of 1.76 cents a pound on sugar imported from Cuba and 2.20 cents on imports from other coun- tries had resulted in exorbant prices. The investigation at first dealt only with beet sugar, but later was broadened to include can sugar.
 Records of producers and manu- facturers in Cuba, Hawaii, Porto Rico, Louisiana, the weat and Mich igan and of sugar concerns along the eastern seaboard have been ex- amined by commission experts who have completed their work in Cuba. Hawaii and Porto Rico. Field work is nearly finished in Louisiana and satisfactory progress, the commission reports, has been made in the west and in the examination of the rec ords of New York and Philadelphia firms.
 The commission is preparing to make public December l the data ob- tained
 It was indicated that until recom- merdations were forwarded to the President the commission will have nothing to say as to its views on IIroposals that sugar duties be re-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-18
REHABILIT ATION
 PLANS LAUNCHED INV OKLAHOMA CITY
Flood Waters Which Have Played Havoc For Week,
 Receding

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla, Oct. IT, Plans for rehabilitation and relief moved swiftly today as overflow waters which, for almost week have inundated many sections in the north west, central and northeast parts of the state receded rapidly.
 With railroad and public utility services. still badly impaired, many localities which for days have been completely isolated by the flood waters, received their first news from the outside world today when air planes brought in mail and news papers from Oklahoma City.
 So far as is known, only two per sons are dead Both were drowned in Oklahoma City when the swollen North Canadian river drove l9'oooo persons from their homes on the southside. Less than 1'000 refugees are being cared for in the city now, the remainder having returned to their dwellings.
 From many other communities In the state came reports or groups or lowland residents forced to evacuate their abodes when the flood waters rushed down upon them. The total number is estimated in the thousands. All of the homeless are being cared for by voluntary relief and charitable agencies.
 Efforts to restore broken lines of communication and repair damage to public works and utilities were begun today.
 The railroads, which suffered enor- nous losses through destruction of hundreds of bridges and miles of trackage, sent out crews to the de- wasted regions; while county officials in numerous of the stricken communi- ties proceeded with measures to mend highways and other property which incurred serious damage.
 Jones City and Spencer, two small towns a few miles northeast of here on the North Canadian. still are re- ported surrounded by water tonight. The water in both places, however. is believed to be falling.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-18
REFERRING GRANTED SOUTH CAROLINA CASE
Alabama Interested As It Effects
 Power Of Utility Board STATE CAPITAL BUREAUl THE AGE-HERAin
Montgomery, Ala, 0


 The supreme court of South Caro- lima has ordered a rehearing in the noted case decided by that court in which it held in effect that a slate commission has not the authority to compel carriers engaged in interstate commerce to make capital expendi- tures. News of this action reached the Alabama public service commis- sion In a communication today from John Benton of Washington. general solicitor of the National Associa tion of Railway and Utilities Commis- sioners, who stated that he will probably attend the hearing and ar que the ease.
 The rehearing will be before the supreme court of South Carolina and all the circuit judges of the state, who will sit in the case with equal voice, the South Carolina law making provision for such procedure, ac- cording to Mir, Benton. The case has attracted much interest in Alabama, since the decision if finally upheld by the supreme court of the United States will seriously affect authority ,f state commissions in regulating utilities engaged in interstate com msrce.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-18
MOBILE PUTS BAN ON KHAN PARADE IF MASKS WORN
KiWanis Club Presents ReSo- Iution ObieCting To Pulp
 lie Demonstration

MOBILE. Ala, Oct 17.-(special Leased Wire. "A resolution, pro- testing against a public demonstra- tion in Mobile by the K. K. K. and requesting the city and council to do all in their power to prevent it, was adopted by the Mobile Kiwan- is club at it's weekly luncheon meet ing here today. The resolution was offered by Leo Zieman, who re- ferred to the fact that there is har- Honious relations here between protestants, catholics and Jews in Mobile and. expressing the opinion that anything that might tend to disrupt these relations should be avoided.
 A demonstration by the klan has been advertised for Mobile on De- cember 1. Prior to the action of morning made statements to the ef- feet that the advertised parade would not be permitted if the klans- men wore masks for the occasion.
 Mayor Taylor announced that the law, prohibiting masking on the pub lie streets, covered the situation and would be enforced, the same state- ment being made by the chief of police.
 In statement by the chief of police the question of lSlan nega-. bers parading without masks would b6 SetlAeu Dy peFBlll Issued Dy Ihe mayor and on this feature of the proposed demonstration, the mayor said the matter would be settled if request for such a permit was made.
 Sheriff Cazalas said that he would take up the matter with the county solicitor and if the law prohibits public masking, he would enforce it.
 County officials were moved to expressions of opinion following the recent advertisements which an nounced that demonstration of the klan would be held here on Decem- Der at "a place to be announced later" Fireworks, klan lecture and music by a klan band are ad- vertised features, the advertise ments also stating 5000 robed klansmen from Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana will be here" and that
 1000 men and women will be taken into the invisible empire, Knights of the Ku Klux K1an '''
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-18
Important NelUs Euents of the Day

Weeks plant to the Alabama Power PAGE oNE official FACE ONE made at PAGE ONE Compromised of Ku Kux Kan break American Legion Two killed and hurt when charge of dynamite placed in well Daivd Lloyd George confined all of his cancelled PAGE ONE
  regarding chaotic conditions PAGE TWO window exhibits Bimngham 
 circuit succeed Judge " Iacke deceased PAGE FOUR
 
 classic Saturday at Belmont park PAGE FOURTEEN previous exchange PAGE SEVENTEEN
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-18
LOWER STORM WARNINGS

NEW ORLEANS, oct. 1.-The To- cal -9ther bureau at o'clock to- night ordered storm warnings low cred along the Louisiana coast for the gulf disturbance reported this 
 A bulletin issued by the bureau that hour said:
 "A small disturbance that was off the middle gulf coast has moved north -northwes estward to the Alabama coast, where the pressure tonight is 29.42 inches and the wind 40 miles from the southeast"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-18
SEPTEMBER BUILDING
 IN STATE $2,618,000
Contracts Increase 9 Per Cent
 Over August, Figures Show

Alabamas building contracts in September amounted to $2,61S,000. an increase of 25 per cent over August. according to figures furnished by F w. Dodge corporation. The above figures include S1,05S, 900 for four in dustrial plants, the largest items in the months record. and $96S,000 for 157 residential building projects.
 Over 25 per cent of the total con struction started in Alabama for the first months of the year was Tor building in the city of Birming ham The figures for that period are $40'- 5S6, 600 Brmingham's quota was s10,523, 900. Birmingham's September total, $1,0S2, TOO, showed a slight ni- crease over the preceding month.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-18
PUBLIC SUBSTITUTES OIL FOR HARD COAL
Move To Counteract Rising Price Of
 Anthracite

WASH GNGTON, Oct 17-As the price of anthracite goes up through out the country. the hard coal cen suming householders and manufac- turers are taking to oil burners to an extent that may bring a perma- nent change in the fuel situation in time.
 Reports from all parts of the country showing widespread substi tuition of oil burners for coal fur naces in dwellings, are being received by Francis R. Wadleigh, former fed eral fuel distributor, now chief of the coal division of the department of commerce.
 Though the change has been most extensive along the eastern seaboard, an official report from the southwest shows that fuel oil is being widely used there because of present high prices of coal.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-18
GASOLINE PRICE CUT TWO CENTS IN MOBILE.
Present Figure S;id To Be Lowest
 Since World War

MOBILE, Ala, Oct. l7.--A reduction of cents per gallon on gasoline nrices has been announced for Mo- bile, bringing the price, plus state fax. to II cents pef gallon. Pre- viously Mobile has been paying l9 cents. which included the 2-cent tax.
 The actual price of gasoline is now IS cents. whichs with the cents tax added, equals the present 17 cents price. This is the lowest price since the World war, it is stated.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-18
Cat's Photo Is
 Used To Scare Hospital Rats

LONDON. Oct. 17.-Mice and rats have been frightened from a London hospital by photo graph of a cat.
 Hospital rules forbade the pres ence of live cats; and parts of the hospital, particularly the kitchen were overrun with rodents.
 A patient, tired of battling with the mice for his meals, sent for life-size photograph of his pet cat. When it arrived he cut the picture around the outline of the cat. The picture was placed all ternately at strategic points near the rat-holes.
 The psychological effect of an apparently watchful cat which never moved discouraged the mice and rats. They all left the hospital.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-18
LAMP FOR COOLIDGE

j WICHITA, Kan, Oct. 17.-So im- pressed by the accounts of President light, a local white light lamp manu- facturer began working on a special lamp Several weeks later it was completed The finishing touches were put on it Wednesday and sent to the President it was announced at the home of the manufacturer.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-18
SEALED VERDICT GIVEN
Boys Charged With Theft Of Auto
 mobile From w. A. Leonard

The jury's verdict in the case of H: E. Cockrell and Allen Ware. charged with the theft of Chevrolet auto mobile from ". A. leonard. will be announced Thursday morning. Judge William E. Fort, who is trying ts-e case completed his charge about 6 o'clock "Wednesday afternoon and the iurv retired immediately. A sealed yereict was to be delivered to court officials "Wednesday night sto be opened Thursday morning. The case occupied practically all of Wednesday afternoon. several character wlt- tnesses were heard.