davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-05-25
80, ,OO0 Gallon Gasoline Tank ExpIodes At Wofford Oil Company Property Causing Fire Which Threatened Nu. merous Nearby Tanks 4
NEGRO WORKMAN KILL BODY FOUND IN D' SS
Explosion From Terrific Blast Felt All Over City And Flames Shoot Hundreds Of Feet Skyward = Wofford Gives $1,OOO To Bremen

One negro tank man was instantly killed and damage estimated at ap- proximately s15,o0O resulted when an so,ooo gallon oil tank which was be- ing filled exploded at the Woffard Oil company, 3331 Tenth avenue, north. at 80 o'clock Thursday morn ing. Only through the heroic efforts of the fire department was the entire plant saved.
 The force of the explosion was heard throughout the city. The tank was blown to pieces, and the flames shot skyward which could be seen from practically all parts of the val ley. Foundations on homes in the locality of the oil company were rocked and some glass windows were shattered.
 Frank Williams, the tank man. was the only man on duty in the yards at the time, and it is believed that while transferring the gasoline to the tank, he mounted the top for the purpose of measuring the depth. His body was found amid the twisted steel and was removed only when aCetdlylne tOrcheS were ODtdlneQ.
 O O O
 Exact Cause Unknown.
 Officials of the oil company and the fire department have not deter mined the exact cause of the eX- plosion, but they are of the opinion that when Williams was measuring the gas, fumes from a port hole in the tank, were ignited either from the light he was carrying or from his shoes. The exact cause may never be discovered. according to George Gray, vice president and general manager of the company.
 Soon after the explosion, F. C. Battles, night watchman of the plant, rushed to the scene and turned in an emergency call which brought practically all fire equip ment from the downtown section. Just before the department arrived, J. Criswell and O. J. Humpries, em- ployes of the company. rushed to the fire. and only through their work in cutting off valves from the other tanks was it possible to have held the fire under such control. Cris- well rushed through the flames and
 (Continued on Page Five)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-05-25
CONDITIONS GOOD
 IN ALABAMA, SAYS PROHIBITION HEAD
DiSmissaIs And Suspensions Apparently Have Not Af-
 fected Situation
WASHINGTON BUREAU l
 THE AGE-HERALD

Charles NJ Sartain, prohibition di- rector in Alabama. in his monthly report to Washington headquarters, declared conditions In Alabama ex- and suspension of prohibition agents in Alabama have not affected the generally good situation.
 In detail, MT. Sartain reports:
 Vigorous drives by federal and state enforcement agencies were made on the small distillers of the dill section of the state and the Phoenix and Girard. just across the river from Columbus. Ga. During the drive on these two places, a mass meeting in the interest of law en- forcement attended by about 5000 persons. was held at which time the governor of Alabama said:
 "I shall use every force at my command as governor of Alabama to clean up every section of the state where the prohibition laws are sought to be nullified.
 The result of this cleanup and the mass meeting has been most grat- flying. Even the local officers of these places who were formerly in different in certain respects have are now cooperating.
 The results in Cleburne county have also been very effective, more than forty stills being destroyed there. and the moonshiners are find ing their position so difficult that many are discontinuing business.
 As illustrative of the cooperation between the state and federal en- forcement agencies. Governor Bran don says:
 There Is complete cooperation between state and federal forces. Mr. McAdory. the chief of state en- forcement forces has been instructed to lend every assistance to Judge Sartain and his forces at all times and in doing so. he is likewise re- ceiving the fullest measure of CO., operation from the federal Forces, who on all occasions cooperate to the fullest extent
 Convictions of those now being tried for violation of the prohibition laws are 100 per cent better than year ago, juries in Alabama now con victinS in those cases where rhe evil dence justifies.'"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-05-25
END OF CONVICT LEASING SYSTEM |S DEMAND IF WOMEN
Action Is Unanimous With Little Discussion-Mrs.
 BriCken Is President
STATE CAPITAL BUREAU
 THE -AGE-HEHA1.D Montgomery. Ala, May 24

The Alabama League of Women Voters in the report of the committee on resolutions brought less discussion than was an- ticipated and the resolution calling for immediate steps to abol- ish the present system of convict leasing was adopted unanimously Thursday Afternoon, as was the resolution looking to free text books for Alabama rural school children, also longer terms and better build ings. Other subjects which were given prominence by resolution were: the payment of poll tax and registration and the appointment of a. home demonstration agent in every county in Alabama.
 Officers for ensuing year are. PresidEnt Mrs. Charles Bricken Montgomery; first vice president Mrs. Jack Bowron. Birmingham i; second vice president, Miss Ita Stocks, Gadsden; third vice president, Mrs. Minnette Y. Fritts, Dothan; secretary, Mrs. Hugh Mer- Till, Anniston; treasurer Miss Annie Joe Coates, Montgomery; publicity secretary, Miss Luna Davie, Mont gomery. -.., ,--
 Dr. II. S. spraggins. pastor of the Court Street Methodist church. opened the morning session of the third day of the fourth annual gath ering of the league. Mrs Charles Bricken presided. The pro- gram as previously announced was followed with additions made to take the places of absent women and
 (COntinued on Page TwO)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-05-25
JURORS ID DECIDE
 FATE 0F WELLS FRIDAY AFTERNOON
Defendent Siezed With Sick Spell, Temporarily Ha|ting
 Thursdays Proceedings

Jurors Friday afternoon will face the problem of deciding the guilt or innocence of James W. (CannonbalD Wells. alleged yeggmen. on trial Tuesday. Wednesday and Thursday before Judge John Mckinley for con nection with the robbery on May 14 of the Hill Grocery company office. Closing arguments of Assistant So- licitor John Mccoy and Defense At torney Roderick Beddow concluded the Thursday proceedings of the trial. Final arguments of Solicitor Jim Davis. and of John Altman, at- torney for Wells, will be heard Fri day morning before the court charges the jury with its duty in the case.
 Proceedings at the Thursday aft halted on account of a sudden at- III, he said. since 9 o'clock Thurs day morning. he was attacked by kidney trouble as he entered the court room. After receiving treat n1ent from a physician, he remained at thtK trial in cushioned chair throughout the day.
 Defense Motion Ovcrru1cd
 The defense moved to exclude the states evidence on account of an al- legged technical error in the indict- ment. The indictment read Hill Grocery company" whereas probate court records showed the correct
 (Continued on Page Five)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-05-25
DAUGHTERS KILLED SEEKING TO SAVE MOTHER
Four Members Of Family Lose Their Lives In
 Flames

MOUNTAIN LAKE PARK. Md, May 24.-Fate today intervened In sum mer vacationing plans of Mrs. Mary OConnor, aged 94. and her three grown daughters, who arrived here this morning and as a result the four arc dead.
 The four met death when burning leaves ignited accumulated gas in the cottage occupied by Mrs. O'Connor The three daughters were some dis tance from the cottage when the ex- plosion occurred. When they reach ed the building it was mass of flames. Disregardng their own safe ty the daughters rushed into the cot tage in an attempt to rescue their mother. They never came out.
 The dead, besides Mrs. O'ConnoP. who lived at Clarksburg. W. Va. are {:
 Miss Kate OConnor, Clarksburg.
 Mrs. Jett Grannon, Fairmont, w. Va.
 Mrs. Mary T.. Rooney, Clarksbug.
 When rescuers removed the four bodies from the debris late today s2.000 in gold was found hidden in q chimney. It was turned over to au- thorities.
 Several other cottages near the one occupied by the victim also were de- stroyed.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-05-25
Hughes Reprimands Republi- can National Committee For Wedding In International Affairs-Attack Is Made On Harding's League Plan
INCIDENT CREATES STIR IN OFFICIAL CIRCLES
President Has Incurred Dis- pleasure Of Many Of Party Leaders Observers Assert. Democrats Declare Situation Unique In Politics

WASHINGTON, May 24.-The re- publican national committee has been compelled by a protest from Secre- tary of State Hughes. to withdraw a press statement in which the Euro pean nations are accused of dis honestly trying to "beat the United States out of every penny due 1t on the cost of It's Rhine army"
 This incident has shaken the admin istration and has brought John T. Adams, chairman of the republican national committee, hurrying back to Washington. He will be here Fri day morning and is expected to make an explanation at once to President Harding and Secretary of State Hughes. The statement was issued by the publicity office of the na- t:onal committee while Adams was absent from the city.
 The democratic national commit tee seized upon the incident to charge the republican national committed with using it's position to interfere with the conduct of the nations for eign relations and to oppose the Harding Hughes world court plan. At Odd. With President.
 It is no secret in Washington that some officials at republican national committee headquarters are at odds with the President and Secretary of State Hughes regarding European cooperation. The special weekly publication of the committee has on numerous occasions bitterly de- nounced the European nations. and urged the United States to remain completely aloof. Secretary Hughes has found these blunt utterances somewhat embarrassing in conduct of state department negotiations.
 The present statement came at a delicate moment in the Paris negotia- tions over the payment of the Rhine army costs. The state department had previously made the fact known to the Washington correspondents, but he requested that no unfriendly tone be employed which might inter- fere with the successful completion of the negotiations. This request was strictly adhered to.
 Treated Without Gloves.
 But the, republican national com mittee publicity office treated the situation at Paris without gloves. The statement was embodied in the regular weekly press release to be used without any credit by news papers as special correspondence. The printed sheet does not bear the imprint of the republican national committee.
 The democratic national committee makes this biting comment on the in- cident:
 New evidence that officials at the Washington headquarters of the re-
 (COntfuued ou Pare Two.l
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-05-25
SHIP RULES DRAFTED
New Regulations Ready For COnsid-
 erntiOn ItN Mellon

WASHINGTON. May 24.-Official promulgatiOn of the new ship regula- tions, made necessary by the supreme courts recent decision, is expected soon at the treasury, where indica- tions were given today that a way had been found to. eircumvent inter- national conflict in laws. The reg ulations were said to be on Secre- tary Melons desk, complete but in a tentative form. awaiting his con- sideration.
 Treasury spokesmen refused to disclose features of the new rules required by the decision which bans all except medicinal liquor within the three mile limit or to reveal how the laws of the United States and those of foreign countries. which re- quire ships of their nations to car ry liquor as crew rations or ship stores. were brought into harmony.
 It was ascertained definitely that the attorneys who framed the tenta- tive draft of the regulations had given study to the use of the medic inal exemption of the Nolstead act. IS a means of avoiding a direct con- flict with the foreign laws.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-05-25
CRENSHAW ESCAPES
 FROM TUSCALOOS
Syrian Was Convicted Of Killing
 Couple In Ensley

City and county authorities Thursday were or the lookout for Ed Crenshaw. Syrian, convicted of having killed Harry Weston and his wife, Mrs. Rebecca Weston of Ensley, who escaped early Wednesday morn ing for the second time from the Alabama Bryce Insane hospital at Tuscaloosa. Crenshaw is said to have escaped from his room on the third floor of the institution by re- moving the bars of a window and gaining access to the hall. 1t is not known how he made his way to the ground.
 Crenshaw first escaped about four months after being sent to the he S. pital on January 20, 1922. He was rearrested by police officer in Bir- mingham about week later. Con- siderable doubt has always been en- tertained by many of his insanity Alienists only decided he was not sane after observation, but many have never accepted their decision News of his last escape was with held until Thursday by officials in an attempt to recapture him.
 Doubt has been expressed as to whether he will return tC Birming- ham because he Is well known here.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-05-25
CONFERENCE TO OPEN
Self gIea ProRressives To Seek To
 Organize Public Interest

CHICAGO, May 24. Organization of pgblic interest to protest against allcs,ed excessive valuation of the nat on's railroads before the inter- sta commerce commission will be att mpted tomorrow and Saturday in a public conference called by self st ed progressive congressman who ar headed by Senator Robert NJ. La- fe i.tte of Wisconsin. The. heads of virtually all railroad unions, eight 4rnors, Tour United States sena- t rs 70 representatives, Mayor Fly l4aa af New York and Mayor Arthur ! Seison Of St. Paul. also have &C., .eptea invitations.
 William Jennings Bryan will ad- dress Inc conference Saturday on "rsubiic Interest in Railroad Valua- lion"
 The conference sponsors plan the organization of a committee to gath er prepare and present data to the Interstate commerce commission, now sbnut to complete ten years work on railroad valuations.
 The inte state commerce commis- sion shall value the roads and then establish rates which permit a fair return upon the Investments.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-05-25
ALABAMA SEEN AS
 W0NDERFU u STATE AS EDITORS MEET.
Newspaper Men See Great Future Through Develop
 ment Of Resources

MOBILE. Ala, May 24-(special Leased Wire. )-Alabam and Misss- sippi editors here today as guests of Mobile for a hree-day session made inspiring addresses on industrial de- velopment of the two states; linked the industrial section Of Birmingham, the Port of Mobile. the huge develop ment around Muscle Shoals and the prospering agricultural section of the central tier of counties of Alabama. Alabamians declared that Mobile is our port' Mississippi editors. admit tir-y that tNey could not lend their influence ward getting appropria- tons for Alabamas seaport at the same time expressed their good will.
 The newspaper men were welcomed by President John T. Coehrane of the Rotary club, where the visitors en- Ij1yed luncheon. Mir. Cochrane said there is no more powerful organza- tion in the country than the press and we are blessed in having a set of newspapermen who are trying to do their best for the state." The newspaper he said, has become ne- cessity in everyday life. The speaker expressed regret that Frederick I. Thompson, United States shipping board commis ssioner from the gulf district and publisher of dailes in Birmingham. Mobile and MCntgom- cry, was unable to attend. He said We appreciate MT. Thompsons serv- ice and feel honored that two pres idents of the United States have named him to the United States ship ping board"
 Richard Christian, member of the Alabama harbor commission and for mer president of the Rotary club, in a short address. referred te the high plane of journalism existing in Alabama" He said: During the last seaport amendment campaign we laid our card on the table. told our trou- bles to the press of Alabama and the press came to our rescue.
 o O. O
 Alabama Blessed
 God Almighty has blessed Ala bama with her river system and left it to us to develop" he declared. Tt is our hope that the supreme court will now permit the state to develop the port with funds voted by the people"
 Dr, Erwin Craighead. editor of the Mobile Register was introduced as "beloved veteran newspaper man of
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-05-25
EMPEROR SUED BY
 IMPERIAL WIZARD
Evans Seeks S1O0,OOO From Sim
 mons For Alleged Libel

LITTLE ROCK. Ark. May 24.-The long fight between pr. Ii. W. Evans, imperial wizard of the Ku Klux Klan. and Col William Simmons. founder and emperor of the organization, cul- minated Thursday with Evans fil- ing S1o0,000 damage suit against Simmons for alleged libel
 It is charged that Simmons re- ply made to statements against the kamelia, recently organized womans secret society, was libelous against Evans as citizen and official of the Ku Klux Klan.
 The suit followed bitter charges and counter charges between Evans and Simmons during the last few weeks.
 Officers in the imperial palace of the invisible empire" in Atlanta Thursday said they knew nothing whatever of nr. Evans suit. but add ed that if such a suit has been filed it would seem to be of personal rather than an official nature"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-05-25
DIES BY OWN HAND
SOuthsidc Man Found Dead With
 Pistol Nearby

The body of H. J. Bowes, sO6 Ele- venth street, south. was found in coal house in the rear of his home at 6:55 o'clock Thursday evening, by his daughter, Mrs. Mabel Cara velo. Death had taken place more than twelve hours. There was one bullet wound through the head and another through the left breast. near the heart. A revolver, containing two exploded shells. lay nearby.
 Bowes was not missed until he failed to return home to dinner at o'clock; his family believing him to be away at work. When founi. the body was clothed only in pants and underwear
 Dependency over business condi- tions and i'll health of his wife is believed to have lead Bowes to sui eide. Coroner Russum gave permis- sion for burial of the body.
 Funeral arrangements will be an- nounced later by Johns.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-05-25
By RODNEY F. BUTCHER ' Special Leased Wire to The Age Herald

DS SpeCtal Leaseu N1re 10 The Age-Herald
 CHICAGO. May 24.-The national conference on railroad valuations hopes to pave the way for an an- nual saving to the public of $500 100000 through lower freight and pass ger rates, leaders of the move- me clared as they arrived here or G2 eve of the meeting.
 xS conference will also tackle the - public utility valuation prob sf to effect further tremendous sA nomy to hundreds of cities xNoughout the United States, it was ! .amed.
 I The immediate object of the gath ering here will be the mobilization of public opinion and formation of an organization to present a united public front" behind the contention that railroad and public utility prop critics should be valued on the basis Of riginal costs, rather than on the basis of costs of reproduction.
 O o O
 Leaders Will Meet.
 Nearly two hundred senators. con- gressmen, governors, mayors and of ficials of interested organizations are here or on the way to form the body which will wage this struggle against the interests
 The tentative railroad valuation fixed by the interstate commerce commission Is s1S,90o,00O. .oo0. The difference between the higher val uation sought by the railroads and the lower valuation sought by the progressive congressman and others at the conference is estimated by At torney Donald R. Richberg, one of the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-05-25
FEAR BOOTLEGGERS
Citizens Of south Carolina County
 Are TerrOrfZed

ANDERSON, $. S, May 24.- Bootlessers and moonshiners have terrorized the long cane section" of Oconee county to such an extent that law abiding citizens are afraid to even extend hospitality to law en- forcement officers, Sheriff Moss tes- thed today in federal district court here.
 Many of the inhabitants, Sheriff Moss said, are afraid to venture forth at night and persons suspected of permitting officers to rema in in their homes have been the targets for shots from ambush. In some cases, he said. men and women had been forced to remain away from their homes over night through fear that the house would be shot up.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-05-25
FORD OUTBIDS BANKERS
Advances City Of Detroit $5OO,OOO On
 Short Loan

DETROIT, Mich, May 24.-Henry Ford outbid New York bankers to- day and advanced to the city of De- troit s500,000 on a short loan. The Detroit manufacturer will receive four per cent on the loan. The east ern banking interests asked Az per cent, it was said. The $500,000 went through the bank of Detroit today
 E,dsel Ford, son of the manuFac- turer. conferred with William J. Ma E el, city comptroller today regarding a sl,500,000 loan Ford is ready to make to the city within the next few days.
 The money borrowed today. it was said, was badly needed, the city not having enough funds on deposit to meet checks of the board of educa- tion. which were due.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-05-25
POISONED BY SANDWICH
J. H. Moore In Serious Condition At
 St. Vincents Hospital

J. H. Moore of Bessemer, shoe salesman in the ladies department of the Guarantee Shoe company store. 1905 Third avenue. north, was carried to St. Vincents hospital in a serious condition about 4 o'clock Thursday afternoon by Ridout's am bulance, from poisoning received from sandwich he had eaten earli- CT in the afternoon.
 About 4 o'clock. according to his working companions. he complained that the sandwich that he had eaten was making him sick. and few min utes later collapsed. He was given first aid treatment by Dr. Hannah. who was called, and sent to the hos pital in an unconscious condition.
 Hospital authorities reported that he had been restored to conscious ness and was resting well at pres ent. but that his condition was still serious.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-05-25
WOMAN GIVES BATTLE;
 NEGRO BURGLAR FLEES
Mrs. J. H. Campbell Attacks Black
 Who Entered Her Home

Discovering negro burglar ran sacking a room of her home at 9:S0 Thursday night, Mrs. J. H. Camp5e ell of 1905 Huntsville avenue, gave bat tie and succeeded in frightening him away. As Mrs. Campbell entered the room, the negro. with one suit of mems clothing and a dress, attempted to leap through window. Mrs. Campbell grappled with him. Wrench ing himself loose, the negro seized a small smoking stand, with which he strusck Mrs. Campbell lover the head. At that moment Miss Betty Pitmaan. sister of Mrs. Campbell, heard the noise and rushed into the room. The negro fled. Call Officers Coihran and Brady searched the vicinity, but failed to find his trail.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-05-25
FIVE LOSE LIVES
 TEXAS TRAIN WRECK
Officials Search For Men Blamed
 For Tragedy

FORT WORTH, Tex, May 24-The Fort Worth police department late today was ordered to search for three men supposed to have been inn plicated in the wrecking of two Tex IS and Pacific passenger trains early this morning at Dothan, near Cisco, when five persons were killed.
 A fourth man is in jail at Cisco Late today four of the five dead had been identified. They are G. Randall Fort Worth; Joseph A. Remote, rang CT; Mac Mckewen, residence un- known, and Charles Baker. negro porter, Fort Worth.
 With the exception of the negro those killed are believed to have been riding on the blind baggage. For at least three of these, their berths became funeral pyres. They were buried under the wreckage and helpless passengers stood by and saw the flames cor lsme them.