davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-26
Secretary Hughes In Reply
 To Note From British Gov
 ernment Restates Plan For
 Commission Of Experts HOLDS UNITY OF THOUGHT ESSENTIAL TO ACTION Reiterates That Question Of Allied Debts Must Be Con-
 sidered Apart From The Ability Of Germany To Pay
By RAYMOND CHAPTER (By Leased Wire to The Age-HeraId)

WASHINGTON, Oct 25.-Present conditions in Europe make it impera- tive that a financial plan be evolved to prevent economic disaster in Flu rope and the United States is ready to join in an advisory economic con- ference upon the invitation of all of the allied powers.
 This is the answer of Secretary of State Hughes to a note from the British government requesting the views of the United States. Hughes restated his plan for a commission of experts as outlined in his New Haven speech nearly a year age. He reiterated that the question of allied debts must be considered apart from Germany's ability to pay.
 This statement of the American position is identical with that out lined by the United News Wednesday night.
 Refers To Curzon Note.
 Secretary Hughes did not make public Lord Curzons note, but re- ferred to it throughout in his reply which was dated october 15, two days after the British inquiry was received.
 "The Secretary of State desires again to express the deep interest of the United States in the economic situation in Europe and its readiness to aid in any practicable way to pro- mote recuperation and re-establish- ment of economic stability" the American reply stated.
 The government of the United States as viewed with deep concern the lack, as his majesty's govern ment expresses 1t, Cf that unity of thought on the part of the European powers essential to common action.
 Tt Is believed that present condi- tions make it imperative that suit able financial plan should be evolved to prevent economic disaster in Flu. rope, the consequences of which would be worldwide. It Is hoped that existing circumstances are pro- pitious for the consideration of such a plan, inasmuch as the abandonment of resistance on the part of the Ger man government will present freer opportunity and an immediate ne- cessity for establishing an economic program.
 Entirely Willing to Participate.
 "The government tf the United States" the note continued, lis there fore entirely willing to take part in an economic conference, in which all the European allies chiefly con- cerned in German separations par ticipate, for the purpose of consider
 (COntfnued on Page Nineteen)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-26
PREFERS FORD TO ANY INDIVIDUAL
But Brookhart Of Iowa Still Stands Committed To
 Government Ownership

Although firmly committed to gov ernment ownership and operation of the nitrate plants at Muscle Shoals, Senator Smith Brookhart of Iowa, in Birmingham Thursday night with the Senate waterways committed, de- clared 1t his belief that Henry Ford S bic for Muscle Shoals was the best of the private offers and that he pre- ferred to see Ford get the project if it went to private interests.
 Just the same, I am strongly con vinced that government ownership is the proper thing with regard to Muscle Shoals he declared.
 Senator Brookhart. an unusual figure in American politics since his cleo tion to the Senate. Is not an impos- ing figure. His informal manner is remindful of that of a retired coun- try doctor or the well-to do farmer.
 Every member of the party was much impressed with the Muscle Shoals project, stating that 1t was too big proposition, however, to be viewed and an opinion made as to it's value in the short time spent there,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-26
M ARTHUR WANTS
 WRITTEN CHARGES
Commission Adopts Harri- sons Resolution Providing
 For Public Meeting Today

Frank McArthur, attorney handling
 the interests of City Comptroller H. W. Taylor, demanded at the adjourn ed meeting of the city commission Thursday morning that the accus&- tions made against MT. Taylor by pr. A W Bell president of the Woodlawn Savings bank, be made in writing.
 pr. Bell was not present at the meeting Thursday.
 The commission decided to hold an open meeting at 10 o'clock Friday morning with all interested request ed to be present.
 When the matter came up Thurs day MT. McArthur asked if written charges had been filed. He was told that the statements made by Dr. Bell were verbally made to the members of the commission.
 MT. McArthur stated that he had known MT. Taylor intimately for years, had known that MT. Taylor handled large sums of money for the county and city with never the sus- picion of a complaint, and that those for whom he had worked, private concerns as well as the public, had above reproach.
 "In common justice to MT. Taylor" the attorney said. this thing should be threshed out to the last detail In public and the results published, If any charges are made worthy of in vestigation. The integrity of the city commission, responsible for the city comptroller. is just as much at interest ss MT. Taylor personally.
 we are ready right now to go into this thing" MT. McArthur said. "and Dr. Bell should be here" Harrison Moves TO 70 Act q Publicly.
 Commissioner w. l.. Harrison said the commission was deeply interested in the matter, that the charges made were serious, that the commissioners had made a preliminary investiga- tion, had had MT. Taylor before the commission; also Dr. Bell, but had not reached a decision. He advocated a public meeting and moved that it be held Friday morning, which mo- ton was carried.
 MT. Taylor made a brief statement to the commission at the meeting. saying, in part:
 T have been before this body re- garding the matter in hand aifd to you have stated the facts. As far as asking Dr. Bell to cancel my note and asking him for one-half of one per cent interest on city deposits TOT my own use I want to brand these accusations as false. My reputation is at stake. l. have worked TOT zz years, nine years in the county tax office. Not only my name but that of my family is at stake. l have tried to do the best could for those I have served. demand these charges against me be put in writ ing"
 President D. E. McLendon closed the discussion. saying:
 You all know my position regard ing graft. If Marvin Taylor Is guilty I want to see him fired. l want to see this thing thoroughly aired in public for the sake of the future of Taylor and the city. 1t Is our duty to him that the whole thing be thoroughly aired in public"
 McMcLendon then adjourned the commission meeting to 10 o'clock Friday morning, saying all interested will be communicated with in the meantime and notified tc be present.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-26
CONVINCED WARRIOR BARGE LINE CAN BE MADE TO PAY
Col. Ashburn Has Asked For S5,500,00O For Main tenance And Expansion Of Mississippi Warrior Water ways System

More than ever convinced that the Warrior river barge line can be made to pay under the governme ntal operation, Gel. T. Q. Ashburn, direc- tor of the inland waterways system, told an Age Herald representative Thursday night that he has asked the budget commissioner to approve a $500, 900 appropriation for mainten- ance and expansion of the Missis- sippi- Warrior system. Colonel Ash burn said he would go before Con- gross, firm in the belief that the barge lines will ultimately show a profit, and request lump sum ap- propriation.
 Twenty-Five steel barges to be used on the Warrior will be built im- mediately if the appropriation is ap- proved and authorized by Congress, Colonel Ashburn said. These barges will replace obsolete wooden equip ment, which he said was the cause of the lin's difficulties at present. Other Improvements will be made, he declared, which are expected to put the Warrior line on a paying basis It should pay per cent, he said.
 At present, the line is losing only to an extent represented by the de- preciation on equipment and small amount on handling of freight, Col onel Ashburn stated. Through con- tinued application of the embargo af- fecting Demopolis, Tuscaloosa and
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-26
I E. T24PP IS DECLARED ACTING GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA
Tax Values In
 State Increase By 26 Million
STATE CAPITAL BUREAU ]
 THE AGE-HERALD

Valuations of property for which ended September 30 showed an increase of $26,395 262 over the previous year, &C., cording to a report submitted to Governor Brandon by l.. l.. Herzberg, chairman of the state tax commission. Total assess ments for the year were $975, l8S,249, compared with $94S,792,- 9S6 for the previous year.
 Realty assessments for the year just ended totaled s626.221,- 931, an increase of S1,401, ,361, while assessments of personal property reached $17S, ,692.260, an increase of S3,614,991, and for public service corporations S166,- S88,612, an increase of S21, 1,060,- 199.
 Governor Brandon and the state tax commission believe the new year will show a much greater increase in assessments of personal property through the enactment of the law prescribing a method which will require the assessment of automobiles and the law which provides for dep utay tax assessors in all coun- ties, whose duties will be to put upon the books the personal property which has escaped tax ation in the past.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-26
CE KHAN ? OL ICE
 HALT COMMUNISTS
Mob Of 5000. Suppressed In March On Relchstag.
 Situation Eases
RULLETIN

BERLIN, Oct. 25.-Germany will proclaim a Rhineland free state if the separatist movement spreads dangerously. The state will retain allegiance to Germany, but will re- ceive wide autonomous powers. These decisions have been reached in con ference between Chancellor Strese- mann, other high government off oials, industrialists and labor lead CTS; held Thursday at Hagen, in Westphalia
 BERLIN, Oct. 25. = Struggling through separatist revolution, food disorders, marked by feverish com munist outbreaks and hints of civil war in Saxony and Bavaria, the Stresemann government still believes that unity of the German state can be preserved.
 The odds against the Stresemann government are tremendous. New forces of dissolution daily attack it's regime. But officials maintain that "all Is not yet lost"
 The situation seemed momentarlly easier Thursday. Chancellor Strese- mann, with high officials, arrived at Hagen, in Westphalia, where it was understood he was to confer on the granting of autonomy to the Rhine- land.
 It is a belated sop to separatist sentiment but with simultaneous in- dications that the separatist fire is dying. the move may save the day, giving the Rhineland a wider meas ure of control over its affairs, but keeping 1t within the reich.
 Ray Of Hope Seen
 A ray of hope was seen In dis patches from the Palatinate, which indicated that the decision for au- tonomy-said to have been made by three prominent socialists in con- junction with the French-will be in- effective due to rejection by the diet. The situation is still confused, how ever, and autonomy may yet be de- clded upon. Although there seems but little doubt that the Palatinate will remain within the reich.
 Tension over the food situation reached fever pitch during the day when 1t was reported that a mob Of 5000 suburban unemployed were marching on the reichstag. Police forces were rushed to the suburbs to stem the expected onslaught.
 They discovered a communist dem onstration in progress at Lichtenberg and suppressed it.
 Difficulties in the food situation are increasing. The bread shortage has not improved and potatoes are scarce. Some persons have collapsed III the streets, IdlnllnS rom munger. The Salvation army's soup kitchens are keeping many from absolute starvation
 O O O
 Potato PIunderers Routed
 Twelve hundred potato plunderers were routed from q large estate at Rudow, near Berlin, driven off by four Berlin policemen after a sharp fight in which a 14-year- old boy was badly wounded and girl received slight wound. The hungry mob had been footing the field throughout the night, gathering potatoes in sacks, when the police appeared and clubbed them with their rifles to disperse them.
 Money printers in Berlin have de- cided to strike due to the govern
 (COntInued On Page TNnl
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-26
RABBI CHALLENGES
 KU KLUX TO DEBATE
Says Question Is Whether Or Not
 Jews Are Americans

WASHINGTON. Oct. 25.-A chal- lenge for a joint debate was issued to the Ku Klux Klan here today by Rabbi Simon GlaZer of the Great synagogue of New York, chairman of the executive committee of the As sembly of Orthodox Rabbis Of America.
 The question at issue, Rabbi Glazer said, was whether Jewish homes are to be considered as American homes whether Jewish Americans are to be considered Americans, or, according to the Ku Klux Klan, whether they must first be converted as Amer jeans.
 Rabbi Glazer said he was willing to meet representatives of the klan on the platform at Dallas, Tex; Chi cago, New York, or Kansas City, with the proviso that one half of the pro ceeds be donated to the Red Cross and the other half of the Palestine foundation. Before issuing his shal- lenge he conferred with other officials of the executive committee in New York by long distance telephone. -asT The action of Rabbi Glazer was taken after reading an address by H. w. Evans. imperial wizard of the klan, outlining the organization at titude toward the Jews. The Rabbi called on President Coolidge today but said that his visit was on another subject.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-26
SAUNDERS HAD BOARD
 0. K. IN STOCK DEALS
Two Former Officers Testify At Re-
 ceivership Suit

MEMPHIS. Tenn, Oct. 25.-Clar- ence Saunders had unlimited authori- ty to act as the agent of the Piggly Wiggly corporation in various deals involving class "A' stock of the con cern, two former officers of the cor poration testified today at the hear ing of Saunders receivership suit.
 c. c. Walker, former secretary treasurer of the corporation, said he was aware of Saunders operations in the stock market last year and is- sued the corporations check to brok- CTS in a number of cities for stock purchased by Saunders. MT. Walker testified that on last January 30.
 MT. Saunders. appeared befoye the board of directors and explained his stock operations, which, he said, were approved by the board in resolution. During the early part of last year, the witness continued, MT. Saunders turned over to him. as treasurer, various sums representing profits realized in his own name.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-26
.FILIPINOS TO PROBE
 KILLINGS BY M0ROS
Senate Also To Investigate Recess
 Appointments Of Wood

MANILA, Oct, 95.-(By Associated Press.)-The Philippine house of rep resentatives, after a stormy debate, has adopted resolution creating a joint legislative committee consist iny of three members from each chamber to conduct an investigation into conditions in Mindanao with spe- cial reference to recent killings in Moros.
 Thes senate has decided to investi- gate all of Governor General Woods recess appointments. It Is believed the decision hits especially at the appointment of Eulogio Fodrignez as mayor of Manila. Rodriguez served a term in Bilibid prison in connection with the alleged abduction of a young woman, according to courr records.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-26
Report To Highway Board States Specifications On Shelby County Road Dis
 regarded By Contractors
SAYS ROAD WILL NOT
 STAND HEAVY TRAFFIC
Portion Referred To Is An Im-' portant Link In Highway Leading From Birmingham
 To The State Capital
STATE CAPITAL BUREAU ,
 THE AGE-HERALD Montgomery. Ala. Oct. 25

MONlGOMER1 Ala, Ocl. z&.-
 Specifications in the construct for the construction of the state highway through shelby county have been dis regarded on portions of the road and materials from small piles or waste banks of lime kilns near the right of way have been used in placing the bottom course, according to a formal report submitted to the state highway commission by J. H. Scruggs, com missioner of construction. following two Inspections of the construction work. The report was made public by the highway commission today.
 Commissioner Scruggs said "In my opinion, the road as now being built, will not stand up under traffic and. the cost of the maintenance will be excessive, and I now recommend the close adherence to specifications, with the addition of a choke of fine stone and screening and water binding for first course, which is the proper con struction for this character of road" Mir Scruggs said the addition of the fine stone would add to the cost of the road from $1,000 to S1,500 a mile. but would more than triple the life of the road.
 the commission, MT Ssruggs at tached a letter to Chairman John A. Rogers in which he stated that lit is not my intention to reflect in any way upon the judgment of the engineers, but on the other hand I feel that under the circumstances they think that what has been done was advisable In the case. However in my opinion, as commissioner of construction, I feel it incumbent upon me to express my opinion of the work and the ultimate results of conditions as l found them'
 Says Base Not Thick Enough.
 It became known following the submitting of the report that state and federal engineers agreed to the substitution of the materials from the waste banks and contended that the base for the road would be suf- ficent MT. Scruggs stated that the materials contained stone of excess size, flag and elongated par ticles, clay and other impurities which is in direct opposition to the specifications, and that the base is not dense enough to resist the in- filtration of water"
 The report of Commissioner Scruggs follows:
 T wish to report as follows in re- gard to federal aid project No. 99, sections A and B, Jefferson to Chil- ton county lines, and through Shelby county.
 Grading about e5 per cent com plete and in fair condition.
 Bridges and drainage structures about 75 per cent complete and good
 First course base down as follows:
 Stations 21S to approximately 300; 400 to approximately 455; 607 to ap- proximately 6S0; 730 to approximately S63; S90 to approximately 1000; 1,199
 (Continued On Page Two)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-26
EX-GOVERNOR COMER IS GREETED CORDIALLY
Pays Call On Governor Brandon At
 The Capital
 STATE CAPITAL BUREAU THE A(aE.HER 1
Montgomery, Ala. Oct. 26

Former Gov B. B. Conner, who an nounced last Saturday that he will not be candidate for United States senator in the democratic primary next year, called at the capitol Thurs day while passing through Mont gomery. Informal receptions were held for him in the corridors of the capitol and state officials discussed with him his declaration regarding the coming campaign. Governor Conner paid call on Governor Bran don sf the executive department.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-26
TO COMPLETE TERM

TALLAHASSEE, Fla, Oct. 25.-B. F. Squire, 70, native of South Caro- lima. has appeared at the state prison farm at Raiford, and been re- admitted to complete serving a five year sentence from Pl tnam county, imposed on him on May 26. 1900, for burglary. Squire was committed to
 enced and served about half of his term, escaping November 6. 1903, and had remained at large since that date.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-26
DIR. CHARLES H. MAYO HEADS U. s. SURGEONS
New York City Makes Strong Bid
 For Next Convention

CHICAGO, Oct. 25.-Dr. Charles H. Mayo of Rochester, Minn., was elect ed president of the American College of Surgeons late Thursday
 Dr. Ernst A. Sommer of Portland Ore, was elected first vice president and pr. Frederick N. c. Starr of To- ronto, Ontario, second vice president The new executive committee may not select the place for the 1924 con vention for several weeks, but. sur geons from New York city believ- their bid for the meeting will be &C., cepted.
 Among those elected to the board of governors were:
 liam H. Luedde, St. Louis, and Fred erick w. Parham, New Orleans.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-26
INSULIN DISCOVERIES
 GET 1923 NOBEL PRIZE
Dr. F. G. Banting And Dr. J. J. R.
 Macleod Are Honored

STOCkHOLM, Oct. 25.-(By Asso- ciated Press )-The Nobel prize for medicine for 1923 has been awarded to pr. r. G. Banting and Dr.'J. J. R. Macleod of Toronto, for their dis covery of insulin.
 Birmingham will especially be in terested in the announcement that Dr. Bantlng will be one of the recip- ients of the Nobel prize because he spent two days here this week where he lectured before members of the Jefferson County Medical society on the use of insulin In the treatment of diabetes. He was in Birmingham Monday and Tuesday and left Tues day evening going directly from this city to his home in Canada.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-26
BODY FOUND IN RIVER

NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 25.-The nude body of a man about 35 years old, light brown hair, was found floating in the Mississippi here today. It was taken to the morgue while police at tempted to establish his identity No person fitting the description was reported missing from New Orleans, police said. .4-s
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-26
18 BID FOR EMPHASIZES

WASHINGTON, Oct. 25.-Eighteen m metal scrap concerns submitted bids today for the six bait eships and bat tie cruisers on tl ways at navy yards and to be scrapped under the limitation of armament treaty. The proposals r; nged from $5,0e0 for the uncomple.ed Constitution at Phila- delphia, to a group bid for all six ships aggregating S600,000.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-26
OIL STILL EXPL0DES

NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 25.--An oil still belonging to the Chalmette Oil company, at Port Chalmette. and con- taining about. 600 barrels, exploded today from undetermined cause. dam aging nearby building and threaten ing with fire the entire refining and creosoting plant of the company. The flames were extinguished by the com pany's fire fighters before they reached the main buildings. Company officials estimated the loss at $25.000.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-26
ALLEGED AGENT FINED

Bessemer Circuit 5uage Aduinisters
 Severe Penalty For DcpoEtntion
 B. F. Jones was convicted Thurs day in the circuit court at Bessemer for acting as labor agent without having procured the necessary sli- cense. Jones is said % have induced many negroes to cave Jefferson county and go uarth, He claimed that he was operating under his brothers license. but was found guilty and. fined sa,750
 It is thought that he will appeal the decision to. Q higher court. He has. 30 days In Shieh to do so. He has been reside of Eessemer for five or six years.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-26
REACH MEXICAN BORDER

SAN DIEGO, Cal, Oct. 25.--Capt. Lowell Smith and Lieutenant Richter, in their border to border flight. passed Rockwell field here going south at 6:S6. 12 hours flat from Sumas, Wash. They circled over Tijuana, across the Mexican line, and returned to Rockwell field. The flight ended when they crossed the Mexican line. ta
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-26
QUITS KEY FOR PULPIT

COLUMBUS, Ga., Oct. 25.-J. R. Potts. veteran operator for The As sociated Press, has quit the key for the pulpit. He today made applica- tion for license to preach before the Macon conference of the Methodist Episcopal church, south. now in ses- sion at Preston, Ga. He has been called to the pastorate of Holt Chapel charge here. Mir. Potts has seen more than 20 years service as an operator.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-26
WOOD SAILS NOV. 1

TOKYO, Oct. 25.-Cyrus E. Woods, ambassador to Japan, will sail for the United States November l on the liner President Cleveland, it was an- nounced at the American embassy today The ambassadors family will accompany him. The party will land at San Francisco.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-26
HANGS UP RECORD

LOS ANGELES. oct. 25.-Josephine Andrea. a senior at Manuel Arts High school has hung up what is hailed as a new interscholastic rec since she entered Kindergarten she has never been late to school.