davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Imperial Valley press., 1924-09-26

Mars came within 81 million miles
or the earth and escaped without in
jury. stF ii
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-17
PRISON PAINTING TO BE PRESENTED
State Officials To Take Part In Exercises At
 Kilby Prison
(State Capital Bureau)

MONTGOMERY, Ala, Dec. 16.- Max Sasanoff's painting of the Christ, which will be presented to Kilby prison by the Big Brothers Bible class of the First Presbyterian church has been con- pleted and will be presented formally to the state next Sunday afternoon. An nouncement was made today that Sasa- noff had put the finishing touches on the painting which has taken his undivided attention for four months.
 The presentation will be at exercises attended by all convicts at the prison and by the public. If fair weather pre- yails the ceremonies will be held in the open air; if not they will be in the spac- ious dining room of the prison. Several hundred invitations have been sent to citizens of Alabama by the committee.
 The presentation to the state will be made by Judge Leon McCord, teacher of the Bible class. Sasanoff will make an address following Judge McCord's pre- sentation. The acceptance address will be delivered by Governor Brandan. An other address will be made by former Governor Thomas B. Kilby, who is re- sponsible for the modern prison that bears his name. John w. Altman, well known attorney of Birmingham, who has devoted much time to the movement for the protection of convicts, will also de- liver an address.
 Special music has been arranged for the exercises. Sasanoff was employed by the Big Brothers class to paint the picture. He has indicated that he will spent some time in Montgomery after the unveiling and will paint other pie tureS
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-17
INSURANCE CASE
 IN SUPREME COURT
Agents Claim Act Of Legisla.
 ture Unconstitutional
(State Capital Bureau)

MONTGOMERY, Ala. Dec. 16- The case of A. J. Goodwin ct als versus the state board of administration, ap- pealed from the Montgomery circuit court, was submitted to the supreme court today. This case was brought by number of insurance agents of the state, attacking constitutionality of the act of the 1923 legislature creating the state insurance fund and also the man. ner of administration of the fund by the state board of administration. The lower court decided in favor of the board, and the insurance men appealed. B. R. Beckwith represented the appel lants and Judge J. J. Mayfield the board of administration.
 Another case submitted today to the supreme court was that of the Alabama Power company versus the Alabama service commission, appealed from the Montgomery circuit court, involving rate classification of X-ray machines. The public service commission had or dered X-ray apparatus to be billed on the regular Tightening classification, while the Alabama Power company ad- vocated a power rate, including a de- mand charge. The Montgomery circuit court upheld the commissions order and the power company appealed. D. R. Beckwith represented the commission in the submission of the case Tuesday and the power company was represented by B. Perry Thomas and Logan Martin.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-17
OFFICERS SEIZE
 CHRISTMAS RUM
Calhoun Authorities Try ing To Check Traffic
 In MOOnshine
Admission Bureau)

ANNISTON, Ala, Dec. 16.-As the Christmas season approaches efforts are being made by prohibition enforcement officers to stop the expected traffic in liquor. During the past week many large captures have been made and this number is expected to be materially in- creased during the present week.
 Last night prohibition enforcement officers, Draper, Garrett, Lynch and Roberts, added another capture to their long list, when they arrested Ebert Davis and Edward Bickers of Cherokee county and confiscated a touring car containing 121a gallons of moonshine. The arrest was made between Piedmont and Borden Wheeler Springs.
 The two men were brought to Annis- ton at late hour and lodged in the Calhoun county jail. Condemnation proceedings have been started against the car, it is stated.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-17
TWO MEN DROWN
 FIREMAN SAYS
Reports Strangers Fell In The River At
 Decatur
Tennessee Valley Bureau.)

ALBANY-DECATUR, Ala, Dec. 16. Two unknown men were believed to have fallen into the Tennessee river from the Bank street ferry here last Saturday afternon, according to a state. ment made by Will Corder, manager of the boat. Corder declared that one Of the men had been drinking when they came on the boat and paid their fares. When he last saw them the boat was about half way across the stream and they were standing at the door of tht engine room.
 The only other fare an auto con taining man and woman left the ferry when it reached the north bank of the river. Corder stated that he was sure the men were not in the car and were not seen to leave the ferry: Corder declared that on returning he asked sev' eral persons standing on the south bank if they had seen the men fall from the boat, but no one seemed to have been noticing the ferry at the time. No trace of the men has been found, it is said.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-17
BRANDON GRANTS
 FOUR PAROLES
Joe GOOde Of Limestone County
 Is Freed
(State Capital Bureau)

MONTGOMERY, Ala. Dec. 16.- Governor Brandon, on recommendation of the pardon board, paroled Lester Holly, convicted in the Montgomery circuit court June z, 1924, of grand larceny and given 12 to 13 months; c. s. Bingham, Autaga county, who had served four years of six-year sentence for burglary and grand larceny, and Joe Goode, Limestone county, who received a five-year sentence for larceny October z, 1920.
 Parole was also granted on recom- mendation of the trial solicitor to Tuck CT Snead, Hale county, who received 90 days at hard labor for violation of the prohibition law.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-17

cult court; affirmed.
 Adolph Motley vs. State, Jefferson circuit court; affirmed.
 Carter Boone vs. City of Birming- ham, Jefferson circuit court; affirmed.
 Dave Burden vs. State, Jefferson cir cult court; affirmed.
 Warren Morris vs. State, Jefferson circuit court; affirmed.
 Johnny Wilson, alias, vs. State, lief ferson circuit court; appeal dismissed on motion of attorney general.
 Frank Posey vs. City of Birmingham, Jefferson circuit court; affirmed.
 Henry Mack vs. State, Walker cir cult court; appeal dismissed.
 Alma Skavira vs. John w. Byrd, lief ferson circuit court Gin equity), appeal dismissed on motion of appellant.
 G. c. McClendon vs. State, Jefferson circuit court; affirmed.
 Annie Mae Mcintyre vs. State, lief ferson circuit court; appeal dismissed on motion of appellant.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-17
SILHOUETTES OF STATE CAPITOL
(State Capital Bureau ]

MONTGOMERY, Ala. Dec. 16.- Ben May of the May Lumber company, Mobile, was a visitor to the capitol to- day and conferred with Maj. Page S. Bunker, state forester regarding the initiation of scientific forestry prac- tice on his holdings of many thousands of acres in South Alabama.
 It was learned that Mir. May is be- liever in the proper production of a timber crop" and that he is buying forest lands primarily with the object of growing timber as crop, he is con templating engaging technically trained forester to assist in the man. agement of these lands.
 Frank P. Morgan, associate mem. Der of the Alabama Public Service Commission, is going to Monroeville on Thursday afternoon and to Camden Friday, on the annual county seat in spection trip made to each county seat in the state by commission or one of its members.
 The Mobile post of the American Le. zion is actively at work on renewal of membership for 1925, according to 8 message received today by J. Fred John son, department commander from Doug Harris. commander of the Mobile post for 1924. Signing up of 70 members was mentioned in the communication.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-17
BIRMINGHAM FIRM
 LEASES CONVICTS
Montgomery County Contracts
 With Alabama Company
(State Capital Bureau)

MONTGOMERY, Ala, Dec. 16.-The bid of the Alabama By-Products corpor- ation of Birmingham for hire of Mont gomery county convicts during the year 1925 was accepted by the county board of revenue at meeting today.
 The corporation absorbed the Pratt Consolidated Coal company, holders of the contract for the past number of years and the bid was in the shape of a renewal of the standing contract.
 For leasing the conyicts the contract calls for SIS per month to the county on all male convicts whose sentences range from 30 days to 6 months; $25 per month for all convicts whose sentences over 6 months and maintenance only for other convicts sentences are under 30 days.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-17

their inspection tour by Beecher Byrd, local land department representative. Although today was announced as time for the formal transfer of the holdings of the Sheffield company to the Ala bama Power company, there was no visible evidence of a change and the regular routine of work was apparent in the operation of the company's new facilities. A rumor has been current that no change would be made in the employees of the company, but this could not be verified.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-17
WOMEN VOTERS
 RETAIN PRESIDENT
Refuse To Accept MT. Hagan's
 Resignation

MOBILE, Ala, Dec. ie.-(speciatl.)
 The Mobile county league of Woman Voters at its regular today declined to accept the resignation of Mrs. James R: Hagan as president, which was rendered by the head of the organization as re- suit of criticism of the action of herself and six other members of the league in writing a. letter to Attorney General Harwell G. Davis asking him to recon sider his plan to file custer proceedings against former Sheriff Paul G. Gazalas.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-17

 GAS FRANCHISE
Baltimore Capitalists To Take Over Gadsden
 Gas Company
(Gadsden Bureau.)

GADSDEN, Ala.,. Dec. 16.--Gadsden has agreed to extend the franchise of the Tri-City Gas company 19 years, making it expire in 1955, provided the plant is sold to Baltimore capitalists who ask the extension. They propose to spend $40,00O on immediate improve ments, including larger mains and a wider distribution of gas.
 The Baltimore people have an option on the property, but the deal cannot be closed until the Alabama public service commission grants permission. It will hear the application December 29. It is understood the gas service is to be extended to Attalla and Alabama City.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-17
NEGRO IS ON TRIAL
 AS HAMMER KILLER
Accused Of Beating His Mother
 In-Law To Death

TROY, Ala, Dec 16.-In special session of circuit court, which is being held here, the trial of Robert Thrasher, negro, charged with murdering his mother-in-law, Sarah Bessent, was taken up Monday. The murder is per haps the most brutal in the history of this section. The old woman was hit over the head with hatchet as she was entering her home. She was then gashed and beaten with hammer and batchet. Thrasher denies any know ledge of the crime. It is thought that the motive was to secure some money the old woman had.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-17
PROMINENT WOMAN
 DIES AT ASHVILLE
Mrs. Reason Formerly Was The Chairman Of County Board

ASHVILLE, Ala, Dec. 16.-(Spe- cial.)-Funeral services for Mrs. Lillie Phillips Beason, wife of Dr. William A. Beason, who died Sunday were held here Tuesday. She was active in edu- catioral work and had held the posi- tion of chairman of the county board of education. She was also president of the Baptist Missionary Union for a while, and long an active U. D. o., worker. She leaves besides her husband four sisters and two brothers.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-17
FARM CONFERENCE SET

MONTGOMERY, Ala, Dec. 1B.- Especial. )-The annual mid-winter con- ference of the extension service and farm bureaus will be held at Auburn, beginning December % and continuing throughout the week, according to an- nouncement today by Edward A. O'Neal, president of the Alabama Farm Bureau Federation. Letters are being sent by President O'Neal, calling for the selection of two delegates to the conference from each county, one dele gate to be a>man and one a woman.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-17
ALABAMA TURKEYS
 SENT TO ATLANTA

MONTGOMERY, Ala, Dec. 16.-A thousand choice turkeys for holiday will be shipped from Mont. gomery to Atlanta Wednesday for dis. tribution to various southern cities. The birds were gathered in this section by agents of an Atlanta commission house and will be used to satisfy the choicest demands of holiday consumers.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-17
RELEASED ON BOND

Robert Ducayne, young New Yorker, who was bound over by the grand jury on a charge of grand larceny in con- nection with accepting $150 for check intended for $1.50 at local bank, has been released on bond after being con fined in the county jail for more than two weeks. It was learned this morn ing in Sheriff w. P. Knighton's office
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-17
STILLS SEIZED

MONTGOMERY, Ala. Dec. 18.- Especial. )-Capture of five stills in Cleburne county was reported today to state law enforcement headquarters. The stills comprised one of 75 gallons capacity, one of 90, two of 100 and one of 300 gallons, with 5,90O gallons of beer and 12 gallons of whiskey. Five arrests were made.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-17
UNIVERSITY LETS
 A0,OO0 CONTRACT
 FOR POST OFFICE
Supply Store Also To Oc- cupy Edifice On Uni
 versity Avenue
Tuscaloosa Bureau)

TUSCALOOSA, Ala, Dec. 16-Earl Cline of Birmingham was awarded the contract, to build the new post office and supply store at the University of Ala bama, it was announced. The amount of the contract was approximately $40,- GOO. Work on the building will begin at very early date. It will be erect ed on University avenue at more con. venient location than tho present post office.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-17
HEADS COMPRESS CONCERN

SELMA, Ala, Dec. 16.-(SpeciaI.) )- At a meeting of the directors of the Dallas Compress company, Monday, T. J. Jackson was elected manager to suc- ceed the late Thomas. D. Craig whose death occurred recently. MT. Jackson, like MT. Craig has grown up in the serv- ice.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-17
NEW SCHOOL READY Tuscaloosa Spends $3OO,OOO To Erect
 Structure

The new Tuscaloosa High school, cost ing over s3OO,OOO, and one of the finest and most complete buildings of the kind in the south, will be ready for occupancy on February l. The new negro school on Twentieth street will be completed January 1. Fhis building cost the city $4O,OOO. The new school on Tenth street in East End is nearing comple- tion at cost of about $15O,000.
 The attendance at all of the city schools totals 4,000 this year, the largest number that has ever been en- rolled, and 500 more than last year. The new buildings were made necessary on account of the crowded conditions of the present buildings and increasing enroll- ment each year. The schools will close for the holidays on December 19, but it has not yet been decided how long va cation will be given.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-17
GAS TAX CONSIDERED

The question of levying a special gasoline tax of 1 cent per gallon was discussed by the city council Monday night and was referred to the finance committee. It was stated that 146 cities in the country had adopted that method of raising revenue. The council also passed an ordinance authorizing the police court to add $3 cost to every conviction, the money to go into the general fund.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-17
COL WALTON BETTER

Col. J. w. Walton who was in- jured in an automobile accident on December is reported resting comfort ably at the Benevolent hospital and his condition is not believed to be serious.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-17
STUDENTS HEAR BANKER

S. F. Clabaugh, vice president of the City National bank, spoke before the Commerce club of the University of Ala.ama Monday night. MT. Clabaugh's talk was on the federal reserve system. He gave a photographic description of the system in motion pictures.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-17
SCHOOL OFFICIALS TO MEET
Plans To Be Made For Institution At
 Gadsden

Chairman Watt T. Brown has called a meeting of the building committee of the Alabama school of trades and in dustry here next Monday when Dr. W. A. Dressler, school architect of the Peabody institute, will be here to in spect the plant for building. J. w. Abercrombie, state superintendent of education, and J. E. Hobby of the state board of education will attend the meet ing. Mir. Brown writes that the com mittee is anxious to start the first unit of building.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-17
SCHOOL TO CLOSE

The Ashville high school will close for the holidays with a Christmas tree. The attendance recently has been cut short due to an epidemic of humps prevailing in this community.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-17
N. l., BROADHEAD

SELMA, Ala, Dec. 16.-(Special. J. N. l.. Broadhead, an old resident of Selma on Mechanic street, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Shoults, at ? o'clock Monday. He is survived bx several grown children and grand children.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-17
SCHMIDT REIEASED

PITTSBURG, Dec. 16.-Walter Schmidt, veteran catcher of the Pitts burg Pirates was handed his uncondi- tional release by Barney Dreyfuss today. Schmidt has been with the Pirates since 1016
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-17
CLERK OF HOTEL AND $500 MISSING
J. L. Pritchardl Disappears Leaving Sheffield Con-
 cern Short
Muscle Shoals Bureau)

SHEFFIELD, Dec. 16.-J. l.. Prit- chard, who for the past six months, has been night clerk at the Sheffield hotel, disappeared early Monday morning and his whereabouts had not been deter mined late Tuesday. Three hundred dollars belonging to the hotel, is also missing along with the clerk, 1t is said. Pritchard came to Sheffield in July from Indiana, entering into the employ of the local hotel as night clerk.
 Since his arrival in Sheffield, he has made many friends. He is said to have family in Indiana, the exact To- cation of which was not available. Pritchard was about 50 years of age.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-17
ROTARIANS ENTERTAIN SONS

ROTARIANS ENTERTAIN SONS
 The Rotary club Tuesday entertained the sons and daughters of Rotarians at the University of Alabama and 20 were guests of the club. Frank Fitts talked on Tuscaloosa's contact with the uni versity. MT. Foster discussed Rotary in relation to the university.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-17
BROWN ARRAIGNED
Mississippian Under Bond On Black
 mail Charge

BILOXI, Miss, Dec. 16.-H. A. Brown, formerly of Richton, Miss, charged with sending a blackmail letter demanding $1O,OO0 and threatening the life of T. J. Tedesco and members of his family, was given a preliminary hearing today and bound over to await action of the Harrison county grand jury under bond of $2,500. Brown waived examination.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-17
CAPTAIN DUNCAN ARRIVES

charge of the aviation field at Ensley. has arrived in Sheffield, accompanied by his wife, to spend the Christmas holidays. Mr. and Mrs. Duncan are the guests of the families of J. w.. Johnson and w. H. Sadler.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-17
FITTs STORE DAMAGED

Fitt's store on Fifteenth street was badly damaged by fire early Tuesday morning. The loss on the building and stock was about $1,600.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-17

Good realty investments are found through Age-Herald Went Adds,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-17
pOxyER OFFICIALS VISIT

R. NJ. Johnston and Mr. Roberts of the Alabama Power company were in Sheffield today making an inspection of their recently acquired holdings in the district. They were accompanied on
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-17
OFFICER MAY RECOVER
w. P. Hampton Better Since
 Operation

W. P. Hampton, state law enforce ment officer is reported resting well since his operation on December , at the Benevolent hospital where he has been since his accidental shooting by fellow officer on November IF Physicians state that Mir. Hampton IS showing improvement and it is believed that his recovery is now certain.
Evening star., 1924-03-09
u. S. AUTO EXPORTS PUT
AT $135,OOO,OO IN 1923
Forty Per Cent Increase Over
= 1o22-Low-Priced Cars
Best Sellers.

Approximately s135. 5.0Oo. 600 worth OF
automobiles, both passenger cars and
ported from this country in 1928.
This was an increase of about 40
per cent over exports for 1872. In
Iications point to an even larger ex-
according to Thomas O'Brien. assist
ant general sales manager Of the Olds
Motor Works. Lansing, Mich.
Economically. Europe is not in any
was a year ago" said Mr.. O'Brien.
"Other parts of the world are in fair
shape, according to reports. But trade
with all countries is strongly infiu-
enced by the relatively high price of
the American dollar. For that reason,
the automobile that sells under 1000
will be the car that has the best
chance to increase its export bust
ness.
Export figures for the past few
years prove that the great demand in
other countries is for cars costing
less than $1,000 In 1922 there were
less. valued at $20,503,025 During the
same. period there were exported
22.513 cars costing between $500 and
$4,000, and 2,027 cars above the $4,000
class.
Exact figures for 1898 have not
been compiled as yet, but consefva-
tive estimates taken from the sta
tistics available indicate that exports
for the past year will approximate
10000 cars costing. up to $500 each,
a1 900 cars costing from $500 to $4,000
each and 2,400 cars in classes above
$4,000. The total value of passenger
cars exported during 1923 is esti-
mated at S75, 900 900, as compared with
she s51,039,335 for 1929.
Reports from the General Motors
Export Company indicate that the
popular feeling in favor OF American
cars is growing abroad, and that this
field is most promising. The largest
demand is for an automobile that will
operate smoothly: yet economically,
and one not unduly expensive.
Rarely does business depression
extend throughout the world. There
fore, if manufacturers in this country
acquire foreign business, it is an in
surance against any depression. in
this country that might be caused by
crop failures or similar unavoidable
1.sasons. A good foreign trade would
mean that American workmen would
be kept employed during any tenn
porary business lull, and this in Itself
would tend to shorten the life Of any
such depression period"