davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-04
HEFLIN COMES TO MAYFIELD'S AID
Alabama Senator Obtains Promise To DivuIge Charges
 Against Texan
WASHINGTON BUREAU 1
 THE AGE-HERALD f WaRhington. ID. C.. Jan. 2

On the insistence of J. Thomas Heflin of Alabama today Senator Spencer, chairman of the committee on elections and privileges, formally promised that before the investigation into the charges against Senator May field is undertaken that the senator will be informed in detail as to the charges to be considered.
 In his position, Senator Heflin was sustained by Senators Borah, Over man, Robinson and others.
 "Mayfield is entitled to know the exact nature of the charges" said Heflin, afterwards, otherwise the committee might ring in additional questions in order to drag the inves- tigation through the general election" Senator Mayfield is charged with hay ing expended and inordinate sum in acquiring election, and with having been elected as d result of q Ku Klux Klan conspiracy.
 The Alabama senator was ques- toned regarding reports that he would manage the fight for Mayfield. but expressed desire that he be eX- cused from answering. He will proba- bly support Mayfield but he has not been actually made manager, it is learned.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-04
DENIALS ENTERED IN. CORN PRODUCTS CASE
Three eDfendants Say They Had
 No Connection -..-

NEW YORK, Jan. 3.-DenialS that there was any justification for nam ing them defendants in the $1,000,000 suit for recovery of money paid for stock in the TemtoF Corn and Fruit Products company of Granite City. H., brought by 19S stockholders of the latter company, were issued to- day on behalf of the three New York defendants.
 the corn products company, asserted he had absolutely no connection with the Temtor company and that he acted in good faith in disposing of a corn products company plant at Granite City for S4,500,000. He said that the only reason the plant was sold was that his company was obliged to do so by a government order.
 Frank P. Cotton, counsel for Ma jor General George W. Goethals and Kissel, Kennicut & Co.,, investment bankers, also named as defendants, denied on the part of his two clients that there was any ground for charging them with misrepresenta- tion in the sale of the stock.
 The suit charged that General Goethals submitted two reports. MT. Cotton, however, asserted that only one report was made. He said that the prospectus used Tn selling the ttoak contained only extracts from the sngineerIng report, as the rApoT& isstif covered 100 pagea.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-04
ANNUL NE N ! SUIT LOST BY. GOVERNMENT
In Opinion Of 20, ,000 Words Court Sweeps Aside 0biec- tions Embodied In Action Ordered By Harding
HIGHER TRIBUNAL ONLY RECOURSE THAT IS LEFT
Right Of Wartime President To Dispose The Property Made Clear In Decision Handed Down

WILMINGTON, Del, Jan. 3.-The governments suit aeainst the Chemi- cal Foundation, Inc, for the annul- ment of the sale to the foundation by the alien property custodian Of 5,700 seized enemy dye and chemical patents was dismissed today by Judge Morris in federal district court here.
 Tn an opinion of approximately 10000 words the court swept aside all of the major contentious of the government as to the illegality of the sale. The government now has re- course to the higher courts in press ing It's suit, which was brought by the direct orders of President Hard- ing.
 Summing up his opinion, Judge Morris said Congress had made the trading with the enemy act and the orders of the President there under "the supreme law with respect to enemy property" He declared the President ..in the public interest" could make such disposition of this property as he deemed proper and the nature of the property permitted.
 Asserting that it was mo longer debtable" that there were restric- tions on the war power of Congress to confiscate enemy-owned property, Judge Morris said the extent to which that right shall be exercised during any particular war Is mat ter of policy to be determined solely by Congress.
 The court also held that if the executive officers upon whom Con- gress conferred the power of disposal of enemy property. acted with the scope of their powers. their acts were not subject to judicial nullifica- tion and review" Acts done within the field of power marked out by ; 1Fengress. he added, are controlled i oslis by the judgment aud disegetion of those to whom power has been { grantel. < Judge Morris declared that the : government charges that the sale or patents was accomplished through a "combination, scheme and conspiracy of certain representatives of the dye industry" have failed utterly. And thisIs he said, notwithstanding the generality of the allegations and the unlimited opportunity afforded the plaintiff to support them by evil dence."
 Supports Officers Motives.
 With respect to the charge that the purpose of the sale was not to ob- tain fair value for the property, but the granting of a subsidy to pri- yate industry, the court said: This challenge of the motives of the of ficers making the sale is supported, think, neither by the facts nor the law"
 'The transaction in suit was not one granting a subsidy to private industry" he asserted. 'It was a devotion in the public interest of the property to a public use. The prop erty is available for any American
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The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-04
Senator Is Feared Because He Has Power To Block Administration Program
By RAY HOND CHAPTER

tLeased Wire to The AEe-Herald)
 WASHINGTON. Jan. 3.-The most in Congress. Senator Robert M. La Toilette. is back in his seat. and the worry lines are deeper on the brows os the regular republican leaders.
 At this moment, the Coolidge forces stand more in fear of LaFol- lette than of Hiram Johnson. though it is the latter who is making the savage fight against the nomination of Coolidge. LaFollette is feared be- cause he has it in his power to block large part of the administration program in Congress, which would compel Coolidge to go before the country in the election campaign with a blank slate so far as legis- lation is concerned.
 If LaFollette really was a sick man last month. as had been supposed. he has made a remarkable recovery. When he took his seat in the Senate Thursday for the first time in the present session, he appeared far more vigorous than last spring. His face is ruddy and the lines are fewer; his voice is strong and he is in the best of humor.
 Are you ready to tear into them, senator?" an acquaintance inquired.
 Give me until next week to get hardened up," he answered with a laugh.
 O O O
 Determined On Smithss
 As his first step, LaFollette in tends to bring about the election of Senator Smith. the democratic can didate. as chairman of the interstate commerce committee. He voted for Couzens on the two ballots Thurs day, along with most of the other progressives. But Couzens cannot be elected nor can any other progressive republican, so LaFollette has decided to bring about the choice of a democrat rather than be the cause
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-04
RELIEF RUSHED T0| b|G WAVE SWEEPS
 CYCLONE VICTIMS s MEN ID DEATH
Fifty Persons Made Home- less By Storm In Section
 Near Meridian

MERIDIAN, Miss, Jan. 3.-(Special) Temporary relief has been afforded about 50 whites and negroes rem dered homeless early today when a cyclone cut a path a quarter of a mile wide for several miles through Ia thinry populated section four miles southeast of Meridian demolishing everything along the route. The few homes in the path of the twister were completely wrecked and great trees splintered, but so far as learned no persons were seriously injured several, however, having narrow es- capes.
 The home of Herbia Walls was swept away except the flooring of the bedrooms. The occupants in their beds, several of them children, being left unharmed. The home of James Guy was also wrecked over the heads of the sleeping occupants, who crawled unhurt from the wreckage that had not been carried away. The cyclone struck the section about 2 a. m. and was followed by an inch and a half of rainfall, those rem dered homeless being left without shelter, many of them clad only in their night clothes.
 The temperature fell rapidly before any relief could be rendered and there was much suffering. w. M. Shamrock, truck farmer, sustained the loss of two farm houses and nu- merous other houses. The store of c. H. Dearman was badly damaged. the front being blown off the fill ing station operated in connection. the store completely destroyed and the contents of the store badly water soaked.
 The negro quarters known as Mo Shann's quarters were hard hit. only one house being left standing. No one was killed or injured so far as could be learned. Other sufferers from the storm included Wiley Ward, home blown away. slightly hurt; Ed McShann, home badly damaged; Hor- ace Gay. home wrecked; Wyatt Wright, home badly damaged and live stock killed. Fannie Moore suf- fered injuries to her back and was treated by Meridian physicians.
 In addition to the damage to homes and buildings several hundred farm CTS in the path of the gale suffered heavy losses in live stock and timber.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-04
BONUS HALTS.
 M FELLOW TAX BILL ACTION
Ways And Means Committee Postpones Study Of Many Provisions To Decide Whether To Report MAY APPROVE LOWERING TAXES ON CAPITAL LOSSES Definition Of Earned Income And Proposal For Con- munity Property Tax Are Put Aside

WASHINGTON. Jan. 3.-Resuming of the administrations tax bill, the House ways and means decided today to postpone until after it determines whether a soldiers bonus bill should be re- ported. study of many of the provi- sions involving change in policy and of all sections proposing changes in tax rates.
 Agreed as to what should be classed as administrative features to De taken up at once, the committee gave US approval to the provision limiting capital losses to 121a per cent, the maximum now provided for capital gains. It also determined that cor poration In spreading it's losses over two successive years must oftset them in computing it's return with olVl- dends received from subsidiar1es-a stipulation in the existing revenue act but not carried in the bill sent to the committee by the treasury.
 Discussion of the question of stock dividends resulted in the committee at the suggestion of RepresentatlVe Rainey, democrat, Illinoise. asking A. W. Gregg, an assistant 10 secretary tee to draft an amendment designed to exclude stock dividends from the capital gain provision of the proposed bill.
 O O 0
 Appre ehensive Of Amendment.
 MT. Gregg drew up an amenomeht' action on which went over until later date which he said would have the effect of making the gain derived from the sale of stock received as dividend or acquired by gift from the recipient of the dividend subject 10 ,he ordinary rates, s>f normal and sur taxes rather than to the 12M Der cent rate on capital gains. At ths same time, however. he pointed out that Tn several particulars such an amend ment might work out unsatisfactori!y.
 "The amendment" he advised inc committee "as far as future transac- tions are concerned would be entirely ineffective since it could very easily he avoided. If such an event were enacted. corporations instead Of de- claring stock dividends could reor- eanize, the sole effect of this reor- ganization being an increase In tne capital stock of the corporation. Such a recorganization, since it would ln- crease the capital stock of the corpor- ation would accomplish the same re- suit in substance as a stock diVldenu. The amendment. however. would not
 (Continued On Page Thfrteen)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-04
COLD WAVE MAY LAST SOME DAYS
Line Of Zero Weather Ex- tends Southeast Into
 Missouri

CHICAGO. Jan. 3.-The cold wave which knocked summer temperatures into Texas and Florida and held tne ne central and northwest sections oI inc country in a zero grip will keep the mercury below the cipher marx for several days more, according 10 forecasts tonight from government weather bureaus.
 A slight moderation in the coio temperatures of the first day of the wear. noticeable today, will be tol- lowed in most sections of the upper Mississippi valley and the Rocky mountains, with readings at or below zero. the forecasts say.
 There has been a redevelopment or the cold of the northwest, and tenn peratures have again fallen decidedly in the central plain states. lower Missouri and the middle and upper Mississippi valley.
 The line of zero temperature today extended southeastward into north western Missouri and southeastern Iowa, and is expected to spread still farther tonight and Friday.
 More moderate weather is expected for the southeast and Atlantic coast sections.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-04
BOARD OF WOMEN TO GUIDE MARKET
City Attorney Advises Com mission To Place Institution
 Under Their Control
CLEON D. ROGERS

Plans for the growth and expan- sion of Birmfngham's municipal mar ket were shaped by the city commits sion at a lengthy conference Thurs day
 City Attorney W. J. Wynn sug- gested the appointment of an adivs- ory board composed of women. This idea was approved and the board probably will be crested by resolu- ton at the commissiop's next session.
 A number of the hest-known civic leaders among Birmingham women will be named. it was indicated by commission members.
 Unless the women of the city take hold of the market and push it along it will never receive the volume of business it deserves" said MT, Wynn Tn many cities wonen's advisory boards have been appointed with marked success and I believe this plan would work here."
 Commissioner ". L. Harrison.. whe has been directly in charge of the .Inarket sinca-,its establishment, said plans would bel pushed yigorousiy, to insure a record business for 1a24. He showed the progress already made and expressed the belief that with the women actively behind 1t, it's growth this year would be rapid.
 Mir. Harrison was complimented by his associates for his efforts in con- nection with the market, and was assured of the commissions support in his 1924 program. Before many months the commissioners believe that the vast majority of housewives will be making daily visits to the market house.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-04
DOINGS OF DAY
 M WASHINGTON

Congress convened after the holi- day recess and adjourned until Mon day.
 Lower anthracite prices were de- manded in an address by Represen- tative Treadway, republican. Massa- chusetts.
 Consideration of the administra- tion tax bill was resumed by the House ways and means committee.
 Louis Marshall of New York at tackled proposed further immigration restrictions before the House immi- grafton committee.
 Another failure marked the Sen ate's efforts to elect chairman of the interstate commerce committee.
 Pedro Guevara, resident commits. sioner for the Philippines. advocated Philippine independence in an ad- dress in the House.
 Representatives Upshaw, Georgia. and Blanton, Texas, democrats. in troduced resolutions to stop liquor drinking in official life.
 A resolution authorizing inVestiga- ton of the election of Senator May IleIu, OeHOcTdl, leAdS, was auOptCG by the Senate.
 Harry Payne Whitney, New York banker and sportsman, testified be- fore the Senate committee investi- gating oil leases.
 President Coolidge called the ship ping board and others to the White House for a conference on the mer- chant marine problem.
 The shipping board was asked by the Senate what efforts had been made to forestall decisions of Ameri- can organizations to travel on for eign ships.
 Additional evidence was made pub lie by the state department in sup port of it's charge that Russian so- Viet propaganda is being directed against this countTIs
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-04
Montgomery Man Is Reported Among Those Drowned
 In Tragedy

BABYLON. N. Y. Jan. 3.-A mon- ster wave swept nine men from the deck of the power boat Sid into Great South bay tonight, after the craft had gone to the rescue of three men in speed boat that had grounded in a storm in, Fire Islaud inlet. ! Among those drowned was a man named MIrdock, who came here re- gently from Montgomery, Ala. His wife and two children arrived in Babylon today to make their hone here.
 First reports of the accident reached here when coast guardsmen sent word that two fishing smacks were aground and being battered Tn a heavy storm and that their ef- forts to reach them had been futile. Four Babylon residents set out in the schooner and braved the heavy seas to reach the smacks. The fish ing boats set out from Bay Shore early today and cruised until near nightfall, when they started back, &C., cording to vague reports. The seas were running high and the two light craft. said to have been 25-foot speed boats, were drawn towards the bar.
 Efforts to steer clear were unavail- ing in the head winds and high waves and the vessels grounded. Heavy seas pounded them on the par and the boats had begun to break up when the rescue crew from Baby lon arrived. It was thought all had been safely taken on board the steamer and little anxiety was felt until the monster wave struck the fishermen. Mcdonald. who told the story incoherently, repeated again and again:
 "They were all gone when J looked
 First word of impending tragedy was received when Mrs. Eccleston notified police that her husband had not returned from a trip in his boat. Immediately searching party was organized, and the Sid, a 40-foot power sloop, was chosen to attempt the rescue.
 The sloop succeeded late in the aft ernoon in sighting the Electra on Fire Island bar, where she was being pounded by the surf. The men
 (COntinued on Page 1'wO)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-04
FRANC HITS NEW LEVEL; 20 FOR $1
Paris Paper Ascribes Weak ness To Speculation Of Im-
 porters And Exporters

PARIS, Jan. 3.-(By the Associated Press.)-The dollar for the first time on record was officially quoted today at over 20 francs. It opened at 20.25 and closed at 2O.5S. The ex- planation that the year-end needs were the cause of the francis weak ness appears insufficient to the Temps, which also attaches no great influence to the fall of the pound sterling. As regards the dollar. the Temps argues that importers ana ex- in exchange, and, as the commercial transactions of 1923 exceeded 60,- 900 ,0O0, 900 francs, their more or less forced speculation was bound to have q considerable effect.
 The Temps impresses on importers the duty of bringing back to France the proceeds of their. sales abroad and not leaving them abroad even in part.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-04
EMERGENCY FLEET. ID OPERATE SHIPS
Al IGovernment Owned Mer- chant Tonnage To Be Under
 Corporations Direction

WASHINGTON, Jan S-Decision was reached at shipping confer ence held tonight at the White House to place operation and control of government-owned merchant tom mage in the hands of the Emergency Fleet corporation with Leigh c. Pal mer, former chief of the navy de- partment's bureau of navigation, as president.
 The decision is in line with recom- mendations recently submitted to President Coolidge by Chairman Jones of the Senate committee and was approved by those attending the conference.
 Present at the conference in ad- dition to the President and Chair man Jones were the members of the shipping board, Senator Fletcher of Florida, ranking democrat on the Senate commerce committee; Repre- sentative Green of Massachusetts and representative Edmunds of Pennsyl- vania, chairman and ranking repub- llcan member, respectfully of the House merchant marine committee.
 Under the plan as finally worked out tonight the shipping board vii viii advisoFss agenc., Fhs vacancy on tue board cadsdd by the fesfgnation of Chairman Farley, following an ad- verse report on his nomination by the commerce committee, probably will be filled by the appointment ot a man from the middle west.
 Senator Jones, who announced the decision of the President and his conferees, said that while the mat te- was not taken up at tonight's conference, which lasted more than two hours, 1t was his personal opin- ion that the shipping board chairman would be selected from among the present membership. The middle westerner to be selected to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mir. Farley in such an event would act merely as a member of the board. Coolidge Changes Mind.
 The selection of MT. Palmer fol- lows a series of conferences be- tween the President and the former navy bureau chief, which for time pointed to the probable appointment of Mir. Palmer as chairman of the board. MT. Coolidge, after consid- ering the whole matter in the light of the plan to place operation of the fleet under the Emergency Fleet cor poration, is understood to have de- cided that the most useful service could be performed by MT. Palmer as president of the fleet corporation.
 MT Palmer, who resigned from the
 (Continued on Page TwO)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-04
CORN NPRODUCTSM MILL LBLASTTAKES HEA VYTOLL
Sae O Eneny Da Chemical Pan Dec1ed Lega By Federal
COOLIDGE FORCES WORRIED
 AS LAFOLLETTE RETURNS

of keeping the Senate tied up indefi- nitely. The break will come early next week.
 Some of his friends disagree with him in this, and there have been earnest conferences in which Senator Norris of Nebraska, leader of the progressives during LaFollette's ill., ness, Insisted that they should vote for a progressive indefinitely and force the opposition to break. La Toilette believes this would prove an unwarranted obstructive move which would encourage some conservative democrats ultimately to unite with the regular republicans in electing Cummins. LaFollette feels some per sonal hesitancy also in continuing the deadlock since he, after all. is the real issue involved. The only reason Cummins refused to drop the Senate committee post tt the outset was that it would place LaFollette, who is next in line. at the head of the committee. So LaFollette, in CO., operating to continue the deadlock, might appear to be doing so because of a personal desire to get the chair manship for himself.
 One of Many Issues.
 LaFollette regards the present committee fight as only one of many issues on which the administration will be opposed, and he does not de- sire to weaken the progressive po- sitien by taking an unreasonable at titude at the start.
 Repeal of the Esch-Cummins act and heavier taxation for great wealth are the two subjects in which LaFollette is most interested.
 Henry Ford's refusal to be pres idential candidate improves LaFol- lettes chances should he be willing to lead a third party. But even the closest friends of LaFollette are un able to fathom his mind on this point. He has taken care not to close the door on a third party ven ture. yet he has declined to encour- age any such activity. It is as leader of the group holding the balance of power in Congress, and not as po- tential presidential candidate. that LaFollette is important is feared by the administration.