davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-28

An imported sponge squad, composed of .strong-armed individuals and pseudo sheiks, will be turned loose in Birmlng- ham to see that New Years eve is tinged with the proper amount of sobriety.
 This influx of prohibition sleuths has been carefully guarded by law enforce ment chiefs who refused to comment on the matter Saturday. From reliable sources, however, it was learned that federal, city and county officials, feel ing. that it would be next to useless to place their own men in the field, have hit. upon the scheme of bringing small group of strange detectives into the city. The group will work in harmony with the present staff of law enforcement men and be furnished, it is said, from surrounding cities in exchange for cour- tesies of the local branches in similar circumstances.
 Great Time Expected
 Despite the new twist of prohibition enforcement it is declared doubtful whether the law will be able to cast much of a>damper on the tumultous times planned to usher in 1925. It is probable that the celeL ation of the hoi- iday will set new mark here as hotels, restaurants, and the theaters booking special performances report that they have been swamped for reservations as never before.
 The largest public parties will be held at the Tutwiler hotel and Loew' S Bijou theater. The Tutwiler affair has become almost an institution since it is
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-28
no JAPANESE DIE; 2OO ARE INJURED IN POWDER BLAST
1000 Homes Reported Wrecked In Dynamite
 Explosion At Otaru

TOKYO, Dec. 27.-One hundred and ten persons were killed, 200 injured, and 1000 homes destroyed in the town of Otaru, in an explosion of gunpow- der, according to reports reaching Tokyo tonight.
 Otaru is in Hoaido, the northernmost island of Japan. The entire waterfront is reported to be ablaze as a result of the gun powder explosion.
 Otaru is a center of coastal fishing, and has the best port on Yezo, small isle of the Kokkaido group. It is con nected by rail with Sapporo and with the Porronal coal mines in the interior.
 The river Ishikari-Gawa flows into Ishikari bay, in which Otaru is situ- ated The district is noted through out Japan for its salmon.
 The citys population in 1920 was 92. .S64,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-28
Imported Dry Law Squad And Strong Arm Sleuths
 Here For New Year Hops
Federal, City And County Officials Co-Operate To Assure Festivities For Birmingham With out An Excess Of Liquid Refreshments
 Many Gala Affairs Arranged For Occasion

arranged annually and draws around 800 to 900 people. The special program includes a crack orchestra, several en- tertainers, and numerous features and stunts which will find places during the four hours that the party is in full swing. As customary tables will be placed around the mezzanine floor and besides the main dining room the hotel will also operate the ballroom for pri- vate parties and a number of its indi- vidual dining halls.
 Party At Loew's
 Manager E. A. Vinson of Loew's plans many innovations In the way of the New Years celebration. Several acts have been scheduled for a one-night stand at the theater and as a climax the management proposes a dance on the stage when actors and actresses will mingle with patrons. The Lyric will also hold midnight revue.
 Smaller restaurants ard dance halls will have entertainments capable of making the evening an enjoyable one. Among these are Italian garden and Peek inn which are expected to pick up good sized crowd outside of their fol lowing of regulars" The Hillman schedules a special dinner dance for the evening.
 Largest of the private parties will be staged at the Southern and Country clubs. These, together, with the myriad of smaller affairs are expected to give everyone searching for appropriate di- version exactly what he is looking for.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-28
TERRIFIC GALES SWEEP BRITAIN;
 DAMAGE HEAVY
sSe France Also Suffers From Violent, Storm-Ship-
 ping Is Crippled
(By Associated Pre$)

LONDON, Dec. 27.-Extraordinary gales and heavy rains, causing over flowing rivers, landslides and minor land and sea disasters, are prevailing over all parts of the united kingdom There has been only a slight loss Of life, but coast navigation is extremely difficult, and dangerous and any sort of outdoor life or sport has been rem dered impossible.
 Britishers nowadays seldom expect Christmas to be accompanied by the Christmas weather of frost and snow, as described by Dickens, but this year has broken all records for odd weather conditions. Up to now the winter has been exceedingly mild and the severe weather, coming just at the close or the Christmas holiday season, IS caus- ing much inconvenience.
 Boxing day, as the day after Christ mas is called, is always notable for it's numerous football and other sporting fixtures. but most of these had to be postponed. Christmas holiday makers moving from place to place were badly handicapped.
 It was a 60 mile an hour gale which blew out Christmas and compelled the suspension of all air services and much cross channel shipping and, according to reports, has given Atlantic liners heavy wind and waves to fight.
 No part of England, Scotland, Wales or Ireland seems to have escaped the storm. Esplanades and piers of water ing places have been flooded or sup merged, mountainous seas are bufieting ships along the coasts, hundreds of tele- graph and telephone lines were blown down, while there is a steady succession of sos calls from vessels in distress: Heavy damage to property is reported from all over the country.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-28
HEAVY PROGRAM
 FACES CONGRESS AT MONDAY MEET
Unfinished Business May Cause Special Session
 After March
Ueased Wire To Age-Herald)


 WASHINGTON, Dec. 27.-Congress gets down to work again Monday, after it's brief holiday, facing an uphill pull to finish it's scheduled program by Mach 4, and thus avoid the>necesslty of on extra session. The demand for an extra session is growing, but those who want it will have less thunder Ii cong ress cleans up it's necessary legislation well enough ahead of March 4 so that there will he need of extra time to pass required measures.
 Opponents to an extra sesslon Will work to this end, and make every CT fort to speed up the legislative wheels when congress gets down to business again. In the senate, especially, now ever, they face tangled situation, and one that will not lend itself to great deal Of manipulation.
 Shoals Bill Up
 Muscle Shoals is still the ending busl- ness there, after three weeks of debate in December. Upon the length of time it remains the principal business de nends the senate's ability to finish its program before March. Senator Norris of Nebraska and others who are oppos- ing the Underwood bill will renew their fight when congress returns. They gained support as the debate flickered on in December, and will re-enter the battle with high hopes.
 The senate has done practically noth- ing as yet The house has passed three concentrations bills. but not one has even reached the floor of the senate. Nine major appropriation bill must be enacted, and numerous smalleF>on
 The senate has other thorns ill it's pathway. The fight over the postal salaries increase bill is one. The com promise bill sponsored by Senator Ster- ling of South Dakota, which provides for paying increases in postal salaries by higher postal rates, is expected to be reported to the senate on Monday. Hearings have been held on it during the recess. Advocates of the original bill, which was vetoed last session by President Coolidge, claim this measure Is an effort to stop passage of the other measure over CoOlidge's disapproval.
 Pines Treaty Due
 Another matter whcih must be settled is the Isle of Pines treaty, which form ally cedes to Cuba the tropical island in the Atlantic where many Americans now have interests. This treaty has been pending for q years. Under a unanimous consent agreement, it will be taken up after the disposition of Muscle Shoals legislation, whenever that may be-,
 The senate has several other measures On it's calendar which leaders desire to disnOSa of hefore March in addition tn the appropriation bills. The first of the supply measures is expected to be reported to the senate soon after it re- convenes. It is likely that night sessions will be set aside for consideration of these bills.
 There should be no trouble in the house. It has gone ahead quietly with its work, with little interruption, and should have all of the appropriative measures passed within plenty of time
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-28
STEEL KING SEES BIG 9.
 FOR MAKERS.
James A. Campbell, Of Youngstown, Explains
 Boom Outlook
CITES 3 FACTORS
 WHICH AID TRADE
Farms Prosper, Railroads Wealthy, Population
 Growing, He Says
(Ry Associated Press.)

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio, Dec. 27. The outlook for 1925 is favorable for>the steel business, as well as for the other lines of industry, in the opinion of. James A. Campbell, president of the Youngstown Sheet and Tube company, expressed In New Year forecast here today.
 Cites Advance Orders
 "Having been asked for my opinion on the outlook for the steel industry during 1925, I would say that condi- tiohs at present are favorable for the steel business, as we'll as for business in other lines during the coming year Mir. Campbell said. "Most of the steel companies have contracts covering their output, at least of the more important products, during the quarter. It should be understood, however, that these con tracts are for the most part require ments of the customer and form no as- surance in themselves that all of the material covered by them will be speci- fled and taken. It is my belief, how ever, that this tonnage will be generally taken during the first quarter for the reason that prices at which these con tracts were made are somewhat lower than those now prevailing.
 My reasons for expecting good busl- ness throughout the year are that the farmer is now receiving higher and more profitable prices for his products, in- cluding cotton, cattle and hogs than for several years; the railroads are, be- lieve, making more money than at any time in their history; the population is growing daily and must have addi- Ttional houses to provide shelter and commercial buildings of all kinds must be erected to keep pace with the pro gress of the country. These three fac tors, being prosperous, will have the ability to finance increased purchases and they are all important consumers of steel products.
 Money Is Cheap
 "Money is cheap and plentiful and will, I believe, continue so throughout the year, notwithstanding that large loans are being made to foreign coun- tries. The prospect is that labor, now receiving the highest wages ever paid in this or any other country, will be more continuously employed and will have great purchasing power to absorb the output of the textile, automobile and other industries.
 "Many people are wondering whether prosperity, assured for the first quar- ter, will last throughout the year and fear that it may be short lived as it was in 1924, when a decided recession occurred after four months of business activity. It should be remembered, however, that 1924 was a presidential year, and uncertainty as to the result of the election caused many people to hesitate about making commitments for the future, especially in view of the rad ical tendencies evident early in the cam paign. But the election is now over and we are assured that we will have sane and economical administration, not only for six months, but for four years, and so-called capitalists, who include everyone who has saved money, are making and preparing to make invest ments, now that confidence has been restored"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-28
DENIES COMPLICITY
 IN MATTEOTTI CASE
Mussolini Cognizant Of All Violent Perpetra-
 tions, He Charges
PRISONER CITES
 MANY EXAMPLES
Sfories Of Permier's Keen De-
 sire For Vengeance Related By Rossi
fRy Assocjated Press.

ROME. Dec. 27.-The opposition newspapers published today facslnl- lies of the so-called "Rossi memo randum," written in his own defense bv Cesare Rossi, head of the press bureau of the Fascist government from the discovery of the Matteotti murder to the day on which Ross1 was arrested. Rossi on June 22 last surrendered to the police who had been searching for him with a warrant accusing him of being one of the principal instigators of the alleged kidnapping and killing of Deputy Matteotti. He is at present in prison.
 The memorandum deals with the Fascist regime in general and with un- merous aggressive measures taken by the Fascist prior to the Mattedlctl crime. He describes the positions he occupied, first on the staff of the Popolo Italia, Mussolini's newspaper, then in the Fascist movement, finally in the Fascist government, indicating how much he was trusted by the premier and what efforts he made to dissuade the premier from employing violence.
 The memorandum declares that after the Matteotti murder the Fascist, the government and the press unanimously flor the purpose of revenge, through ln- trigue and fear, attributed to me, (Rossi) the organization of various acts of violence and irregularities which oc- cured since the march on Rome."'
 Accuses Mussolini
 Rossi goes on to say that this was against politically moderate temper ment and adds: T wish to say at once that all that happened was always due to the direct will, or ;pproval, or com plicity of the premier"
 He describes number of "clubbings" and treatment of various individuals with castor oil, demonstration against the home of former Premier Nitti, and the destruction of Catholic clubs in the Brianza region, all ordered, he declares, by Mussolini.
 Rossi explains that all ideas of col laboration with other parties for. the mobilization of Italian life set forth by Mussolini, especially on the occas- ion of parliamentary votes are con- tracted by "Mussolini's violent and san guinary temI erament, which was not satisfied with the half solution obtained by the march on Rome, so much so that very frequently alluding to revolution ary developments in the march on Rome, he used to say next time,' employing an expressive phrase not fit to repro duce."
 Denies Part In Staying
 Referring to the Matteotti case, Rossi says: No direct or concrete re- sponsibility on my part exists, as for 40 days l had broken off all relations with Dumini (Amerigo Dumini, under arrest for complicity in the killing of Matteotti) after questionable behavior towards me to which Minister Ciano,
 (Continued on page twO)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-28
GROWERS ASSAIL BRITISH EMBARGO
 ON U. s. POTATOES
Agriculture Department COncerned-States
 Hard Hit
(By Associated Press.)

WASHINGTON, Dec. 27.-The Bri- tish embargo on American potatoes brought appeas today to several gov ernment departments for 'co-operation in an effort to have the ban modified.
 Senator Hale of Maine, acting on protests from Maine growers, called at the state and agricultural departments to discuss the situation but in the absence of the detailed information, action was deferred. At the same time confirmation of dispatches telling of the embargo reached the British embassy and the department of agriculture.
 At the embassy it was announced that the embargo, which applies only to England and Wales. became effective December g, but that potatoes than en route would be allowed to enter.
 Growers Hard Hit
 Maine potato growers, Senator Hale said, would be particlarly hard hit by the British action, because of sur plus of the product in that state this year. Virginia, North Carolina, New Jersey and New York also would be affected, he said.
 At the agriculture department, some officials, although hesitating to com ment in the absence of detailed infor- nation, said they were puzzled at the
 
 development. 'The Colorado beetle, or the common potato bug, the pest which the embargo is aimed at, is held by these officials to be very easily con- trolled and it long ago ceased to cause American farmers great concern. The British Isles, However, have been free of the beetle.
 The departments advices also de- clared that, Canadian potatoes. were not included in the embargo, and 1t was pointed out that the beetle per- haps is more firmly established in cer- tain Canadian provinces that in the United States.
 Department Concerned
 The only statement au the department of agriculture was to the effect that the department is always concerned over any restriction of the market for Am erican products. The British Isles normally are potato exporters, it was said, but are importing this year due to short home crop. It was thought this situation might have caused the em- bargo to be placed as a protection against the beetle during the importing period.
 Transportation of the insect to Eng land from the United States would largey be accidental, it was said by some officials who described the bug as leaf feeder and as more likely to be carried in green stuffs than in potato sacks.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-28
CREDIT RESTORED
 IN NORTHWEST
Farm Body Votes $6OO,OOO Re-
 fund To Subscribers
RY Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., Dec. 21.,- Holding that the emergency in the bank ing situation in the northwest IS at an an end, and that established agencies VIII be able to care for the credit require ments of these institutions next year. the Agricultural Credit corporation be- gan it's first liquidation when It's board of directors voted here today to return to its subscribers ten per cent or thelr contribution to. the $6,000,OOO fund, es, tablished II months ago for fnanciai relief in this district.
 A continuance of it's policy Of ald- ing in diversification for the northwest farmer. was agreed upon, however, and a fund of $5O0,O00 was authorized for the purchase next spring of livestock to be placed on farms in Mlnnetosa, North and South Dakota and Montana
 c. T. Jaffray, chairman of the board, reported to the directors that the amount of liquidation by banks to which money has been loaned enables a re- payment of 10 per cent, or $6OO,OOO to the subscribers who are made up of number of industrial and banking con cerns of the east and central states.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-28
GEN FOSTER LOOMS
 AS v. C. v. LEADER
General J. M. Cochran Is Buried
 At Dallas
Rx Associated Pressl

DALLAS, Texas, Dec. 27.-General James c. Foster, of Houston, comman- der of the Texas State United Confed,, crate veterans. will likely be named to succeed General James Monroe Cochran as commander of the trans Mississippi department, U. c. V" 1t was said today by well known veterans in attendance upon the latter's funeral here. The appointment of General Cochran's successor would be made by General James Thomas, Dublin, Ga, commander-in-ch of the U. c. V., to continue in effect until the regular cleo ton ,of officers at the forthcoming re- union of veterans to be held In Dallas next May.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-28
STEEL OUTLOOK BRIGHT
Most companies Have Output old. Says
 Campbell

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio, Dec. 27-The outlook for 1925 is favorable for the steel business, as well as for the other lines of industry, in the opinion of James A. Campbell, president of the Youngstown Sheet and Tube company expressed in a new year forecast here today.
 Mir. Campbell said that most steel companies have contracts covering their output. at least of the more important products, for the first quarter Of the new year.
 The steel operatorA whose company is now the third largest in the United States, pointed to three factors as the basis for his prediction of good busl- ness. They are:
 The farmers are getting higher prices 1; the railroads are making more money than at any time in their history, and' a growing population creates needs wl.ich must be supplied.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-28
NEW YORK TYPHOID
 CONTINUES SPREAD
lRv Associated Pressl

NEW YORK, Dec. 27.-Thirty new eases of typhoid were reported to the health department during the last A hours, the department announced to- night, This compares with 16 cases re- ported during the preceding AS hours, Notwithstanding the increase, there is no epidemic of typhoid, Health Commis- sioner Frank J. Monaghen said.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-28
GALE HITS FRANCE {

PARIS, Dec. 27.AThe coast or France is suffering from the effects or heavy gales, and the Cherbourg wireless station has received numerous calls TOT assistance from vessels in distress. Tugs were dispatched today to aid the steamers Antiope, Darlington and win terwijk, crippled by the heavy seas.
 Lifeboats which put out from Lorient rescued the crews of the trawlers Lion and Monte Ladessus. A Norwegian steamer" the Saturn, has been driven onto a treachous shoal and will be to- tai loss. Havre, where all shipping IS being held up, reports taht the British steamer Euraydes has returned to port badly crippled.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-28
SEN. UNDERWOOD
 IS RECOVERING
Alabamian Expected To Attend
 Senate Session Monday

WASHINGTON, Dec. 27.-Senator Underwood, who has been confined to his bed several days with an attack of grippe, had recovered sufficiently to be up today and expects to attend the session of the senate Monday.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-28
COLD WEATHER HERE Horton Predicts Sharp Drop In Mercury For Birmingham

Birmingham may expect recurrence of the severe cold weather of several days ago, according to mercury prob ably would drop to 20 degrees or lower in the central portion of the state by Monday morning.
 A decided change in the temperature probably. will be evident by Sunday afternoon, Horton said and the mercury is slated for a steady downward trend until early Monday morning when the reak of the wave is expected to be reached
 'This should not properly be called another cold wave, but rather an in- stallment of the present one," Horton explained. We cannot definitely pre- dict it's duration but look for moderation by Tuesday,"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-28
1924 In Review

The Chief Events of the closing year set forth Tn complete and chronological order in today's Age Herald
 The Industrial Advances the political battles the shift ing of sport crowns the historymakng achievements of 1924 are all included The Real Estate Section summarizes one ot the most active periods in Birming hams history. The Sport Section lists the achievements of local and state athletes and in addition contains a complete chart of the years records. The Progress of Prohibition is reviewed by Wayne B. Wheeler. Only few puddes left, he says of the nations sea of booze. The Farm Situation is discussed by the president ot the National Farm Federation O. E. Bradfute. The Battle of Madison Square and its aftermath Is reviewed in special copyright articles to the Age Herald.
 The State and it's years achievements is surveyed in the state section
 In Today's Age-Herald
 1924 Passes In Review
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-28
3 DIE IN CHICAGO
Post. Christmas Cold Was Expected To
 Last 24 Hours More

CHICAGO, Dec. 27.-(By Associated Press. )-The middlewest and northwest shivered tonight in the third severe cold wave of the season while the sub-zero front moved rapidly eastward with indi- cations that it would reach the At lantic seaboard by tomorrow night.
 Nearly tbe entire country tonight was
 (COntinued on page twO)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-28
Harper's Cartoon Accorded Mention
 In Vote Contest
(WashingtOn Bureau)

WT ASHINGTON, Dec. 27.-Har- w per's cartoon, Wake Up," in
 The Age-Herald September 2S, receives honorable mention in the con test. under the auspices of the Ma tional League of Women Voters, hay ing for it's object the bringing out of the vote in the national election. The announcement of awards is made today. Mir. Black, cartoonist of the Lincoln, Nebraska, Star, won the prize of $250. In addition to liar per, only one southerner was men tioned. He was "Brewerton" of the Atlanta, Georgia, Journal.