davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-17
COOPER BROTHERS
 ARE ACQUITTED
Were Charged With Conspiracy
 To Violate Banking Laws

WILMINGTON, N. C., Feb. 1e.- Lieut.. Gov. W. B. Cooper and hi. brother, T. E. Cooper. were found not guilty this afternoon in United States district court of a charge of conspiracy to defraud and violate the national banking laws in connection with the failure of the Commercial National bank of Wilmington, N. c.
 The verdict was returned at 3 :45 p. m, The case had been in the hands of the jury three hours. Three ballots were taken. x
 4 joint indictment against the same defendants and three other indictments in connection with the bank failure are awaiting trial and District Attorney Tucker announced that they will not be heard until the regular terms of court in May. The defendants were released under the same bonds which have been in force since their arrest.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-17
LJNPREJUDICED NEWS
 PRESENTATION IS RULE
 OF ASSOCIATED PRESS
M. E.. Stone Explains
 High Principles Of Organization

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.., Feb. 16. Organization of the Associated Press in 1893 freed this country from the menace" of privately controlled news distribution agencies then operating, Minnesota editors were told here to- night by M. E. Stone, counsellor of the Associated Press.
 Addressing members of the Minnesota Editorial associa ton at banquet, giv- en by the Miuheapolis Journal, Mir. Stone, who was general manager of the Associated Press for 25 years, termed as 'the revolution of 1898" the action of western editors in forming the coop erative news gathering association.
 When, in this country" Mir. Stone said, i've speak of the revolution, of course we refer to the contest which began at Concord bridge and ended at Yorktown. Little more than a cen tury later, there was another revolu- tion in our land, which seems to me to have been also of distinct conse- Quence.
 Government control of the press was universal throughout the world for many centuries, and, though the first clause in our bill of rights was broken down in this country, but we did not appreciate that private control was no less malign than government control.
 Impartial News Service Necessary
 If it were desirable that the gov erned populace of our republic should be intelligent, it was all important
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-17
ATTEMPT IS MADE
 TO DYNAMITE HOME
Mack Clayton and Family Mar.
 rowly Escape With Lives

Part of the front porch, several win. dows and many glass articles were demolished at the home of Mack Clay. ton, 7l4 South Thirty-first, when a charge of dynamite, placed beneath the porch, exploded at II 80 o'clock, Satur- day night, five minutes after the Clay. ton family had retired.
 Five persons were in the house at the. time of the. explosion, none of whom were injured. Window glasses in several homes in the immediate neighborhood were shattered by the force of the explosion which was heard for several miles. a
 City detectives who made an i'm mediate investigation stated the opera. tion evidently had been carefully timed as the explosion occurred immediately after the family had retired and the house was in darkness.
 Mir. Clayton could offer no pos sible motive for the attempt to wreck his home or take his life and that of members of his family unless recent petition prohibiting erection of negro houses in the neighborhood Is respons- ible. Mir. Clayton is said to have been Instrumental in circulating the petition among residents of his section.
 City detectives, Saturday night, shared the opinion that the attempt was an afteEmath of the circulating oi the petition. s,s
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-17
COW GIVES I9,92I
 POUNDS OF MILK
New Champion Holstein Breaks Production Record In 10 Months

ST. PAUL, Feb. 16.-A new worlds champion Holstein COW for the produc- tion of butter in ten months as a jun for three-year-old is Star Segis Pontiac,
 superior of the Minnesota Holstein company herd at Austin, Minn., accord ing to the advance registry development of the Iiolstein-Friesian association of America. '-'
 Under tEe supervision of the Min nesota College of agriculture this COW completed her test period with 19.191 pounds of milk, containing 725.O3 pounds of butter fat equivalent to 906.62 pounds of butter while carrying a calf 175 days. This record displaces that, held by the champion Lyons Sar- castle Korndyke owned by A. $. Dey- sh> z of Reading. Pa. whose ten months production is 21,016.4 pounds of milk and SIS pounds of butter, carrying a calf 192 days of the test period. T
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-17
COLBY REJECTED RETAINER FROM
 H. E. SINCLAIR
Oil Man Wanted His Services In Teapot
 Investigation !

NEW YORK, Feb. 16.- -Bainbridge Colby, former secretary of state and law partner of former. Presidcnt Wood row Wilson, rejected retainer offered by Harry F. Sinclair to obtain the services of the law firm in the Teapot Dome oil lease investigation, it was revealed today in a Washington dis patch to the Evening World, which obtained confirmation of the story from MT. Colby.
 Tt is true that Mir. Sinclair offered me a retainer to represent him in the Teapot Dome investigation and re- jected the employment" he was quoted as saying, T see no reason to discuss the matter further. .sl.
 When first shown the dispatch, which asserted, when the proposal first was made 1t was referred to Mir. Wilson, who immediately rejected it, Mir. Colby declared he had no comment to make.
 MT. Sinclair's offer, the dispatch added, was nadp n 3he spfjsg of 1922 and s81e o1,4 <onl lfio1l tut the firm tepFksent thS EIneIaIr illfereats in any litigat tion that might result from the Teapot Dome Iease. The offer was made, the dispatch said, after Senators Kendrick and LaFollette had offered resolutions for an investigation into the lease.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-17
t. 0. LEADERS
 THREATENED BY
 NSURGENT BLOC
Accept Compromise On Aid Goes To Democrats,
 Is Ultimatum

WASHINGTON, Feb. 16.-Repub- lican isurgnets, who hold the balance of power in the House tax fight, offered today to compromise with organization leaders on 40 per cent surtax max imum, provided normal income tax rates are cut in half.
 The offer, which remained unaccept- ed after two conferences, was accom- panied by thrat that if turnd down the insurgent bloc would support the democratic platform for A per cent surtax maximum,
 This, leaders. agreed, would give the Garner plan a majority when a vote comes next week on the income tax provisions of the Mellon bii.
 Efforts of the republican orgariza- tion to reach compromise with ths insurgents will be resumed Monday, al. though some of those who took part in today's negotiations see little pros pect of an agreement.
 Where Stumbling Block Lies
 The stumbling block appears to be the insGtence of the insurgents that the present normal income tax rate of 8 and per cent be cut in half, a pro- vision also carried in the Garner plan.
 Representative Longworth, the re- publican leader, who initiated today's get.together with the insurgents, de- clared later he was flatly opposed to such decrease. He contended it would alter fundamental priciples of the Mellon bill. which calls for a 25 per cent reduction in normal rates and maximum surtax of 25 per cent.
 As the negotiations between the two republican groups proceeded the House devoted third day to genral debate on the revnue bill. After seven hours discussion, marked at times by sharp exchanges between democrats and re- puolicans, a dinner recess was taken, after which the House plunged into a night meeting, the first of the session.
 No Chance In House
 Decision of the republican organiza- sion leaders to bid for insurgent aid was prompted, it was admitted, by a reali- zation that without such assistance enough votes might not be mustered to insure success of the 35 per cent sur tax compromise agreed upon as a sub stitute for the Mellon figure which, it is generally believed, would have no chance in a House vote,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-17
NOT INCENDIARY
Blaze Started In Wash House,
 Says L. A. Boyd

o. o0fs A. A. pOyu
 MONTGOMERY, Ala, Feb. 16.-- Especial. )-The fire at the Flat Top prison camp Friday night was not of incendiary origin, in the opinion of l.. A. Boyd, chairman of the state board of administration. The fire originated in the wash house, combination laun- dry and bath house, and spread to other buildings before it was discovered.
 From this fact Mir. Boyd drew the conclusion that the fire could not have been incendiary,. since the only men near the destroyed building lost their lives in the blaze. The fire started between the main room of the wash house and the sleeping quarters of the four victims. whose retreat was thus cut off, accord ing to the report received by the board here. MT. Boyd stated that there was no trouble at Flat Top, that the men seem satisfied and expressed the be- lief that the fire was started by a spark from the wash house.
 It will be impossible to provide tenn porary quarters for all tho prisoners at Flat Top, numbering approximately oO0, according to Roy l.. Nolen. asso- ciate member of the board of admins tration. As many men as can be pro- vided for temporarily will be retained at Flat Top and others transferred to other prisons until the Flat Top prison can be rebuilt, according to AIr. Nolen.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-17
NEAR KILLING
 AGAIN NFLAMES
 HERRNFACTIONS
Ora Thomas, Klan Foe And Police Chief Ford
 In Encounter

HERRIN, H., Feb. 16.-This nerve racked little town tonight saw. the asmouldering spark of hate famed te flames for q moment and with abated breath is awaiting resumption of hos. tilities which last week resulted in the calling of troops to Williamson county after q clash between Ku Klux Klan and anti-klan forces over the wet and dry issue.
 The scare was the rseuit of a near shooting between Ora Thomas, head of the Flaming Circle, an anti-klan or. ganization, and John Ford, Herrin's chief police, who is an admitted klans. man. fS
 The two men, bitter enemies. met ir front of the city hall and witnessei s& i'd Thomas pr0ffered hand in greet ing offering to let bygones bs bygones.'
 Chief Ford, suspicious of Thomas reached for a pistol and Thomas, in stantly on guard, dropped a hand te his overcoat pocket. For the space of few seconds the men glowered al each other while a grim faced group apparently composed of friends and enemies of the couple formed a circle about them. Only the quick interfer. ence of a national guardsmen, on sentry duty, prevented an almost certain shoot ing. The sentry ordered the crowd to 6isperse and shortly afterwards every soldier remaining in Herrin, was call ed to headquarters and armed. The Ku Klux Klan is also reported to have called an immediate special meeting here and at Marion.
 Both Sides Again Armed
 Both sides tonight are said to again be carrying the weapons that were dis carded last Tuesday at the order of Major General Milton J. Foreman, in charge of the troops that were sta tioned here. A
 The town, tonight, is excited and appears to be ready for anything. There are three companies of the national guard remaining here and two at Ma rion. The local troops, commanded by Lieutenant Robert Davis, and those at Marion and the three companies here are in the charge of Colonel A. l.. Col person, who today moved his haedquar- ters to Marion.
 Just previous to the encounter be- tween Ford and Thomas, John Heaton, prominent citizen, shot his wife and her brother, John Tatum, during a fam fly quarrel. Mrs. Heaton and her brother were taken to the Herrin hospital, where it was found she was shot in the arm and neck and he was shot in the chest. Doctors said he would probably die. Heaton escaped and the shooting apparently had the ef- feet of exciting the little town still fur fhar
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-17
ADDRESS DEFERRED
 BY UNDERWOOD
To Fix Date Later For Speech Before South Carolina Solons

WASHINGTON, Feb. 116.-A change in the speaking itinerary of Sen ator Underwood, Alabama, candidate for the democratic presidential nomina- tion. involving postponement of on ad- dress planned next Monday before the South Carolina legislature, was an- nounced today by Underwood head,
 quarters. Senator Underwood was com pelled to defer his address at ColyIn- bia until date to be fixed latert it was said, in order to fill speaking en- agreements in the south. made preSiously.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-17
MINISTER TAKES
 NOTED SWINDLER
Ralph Howard Praises Man Eff.
 fecting His Capture

CHICAGO, Feb. 16.-A minister was the man who nabbed Ralph How ard, alias Ralph Hale, who admits he has been swindling preachers and others for months, it was disclosed today.
 Howard, who as his own press agent, announces he has swindled Senator Lodge of Massachusetts. John D. Rock efeller. Jr., Tex Rickard, New York box ing promoter and others in many cit ies, praised the minister, Rev. Arthur F. Ewart, pastor of the Central Pres byterian church, who caught him and whom Howard had unsuccessfully sought to sYindle
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-17
EGYPTIANS EXPLAIN
 CLOSING OF TOMB
Says Day Carter Visited Was Reserved Exclusively For Press

WASHINGTON, Feb. I0.-The Egyptian legation today made this ex- planation of the much discussed incl dent of the closing of Tutankhamen's tomb ''>t
 According to an understanding in which Howard Carter participated the Egyptian government decided to regu- late the visits to the tomb. Wednesday, February 1S, was reserved excusively for the press.
 "AIr. Carter asked permission for certain number of his personal friends to visit the tomb on, that day. The Egyptian government. refused his re- quest in accordance with the agreement and Mir. Carter, not satisfied with the refusal of the government. threatened to take legal steps and close the tomb.
 .eThe Egyptian government could not allow defiance of it's authority and took steps to have the laws and regulations respected.
 "The Egyptian legation stated that it hoped that Mir. Cartof's action would i.et fail to create universal indigna- tion'." ss
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-17
M'ADOO IlNDORSED
 BY TENNESSEEANS
Anderson County Declares For Former Cabinet Officer

KNOXVILLE, Tenn, Feb. 16.-The Anderson county democratic convention, meeting. today in Clinton, unanimously indorsed William G. McAdoo for the democratic nomination for President. MT. McAdOo's father at one time was resident of Anderson county. The ac. tion taken today makes the second coun- ty convention in the state to indorse Mir. McAdoo, Jefferson county having taken similar action some weeks ago.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-17

CRIME ABSENT {. DURING RULE
 OF BOY SCOUTS

CHICAGO, Feb. 16.-Chicago passed into tho hands of . new city administration today. every city of ficial relinQuishing his job for an hour to a Boy Scout elected to the position by fellow scouts.
 Walter Furth took Mayor Dever's chair and then called a meeting of a youthful city council. Motions by knickerbockered aldermen to dig sub ways and raise the pay of city em- ployes were firmly overruled by, Mayor Furth, because that city's politics does not concern us.
 William Reetz, young chief of po- lice, reported that not a crime had been committed in tho city during lis tenure in office, and Charles Dedi, fire marshal, made a trip to "four-eleven" fire after the chiefs car had been held while he was iunted up.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-17
HOUSTON FACES
 THIRD INDICTMENT
Oil Operator Again Arrested
 And Fails To Make Bail

TEXARKANA, Ark, Feb. 16.- "ColoneP' Reginald c. Houston, who is under two indictments here charging use of the mails to defraud, was ar rested again here last night on a third indictment charging use of the mails to defraud in connection with the op- erations of the V. K. s. Miller syndi- cate and the Houston Gusher syndicate in Union County. Ark. His bond was set at $10,O00, which he had not made this morning and he is in jail.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-17
DENBY.E GIVEN GOOD EXCUSE TO LEAVE CABINET Oliver And Byrnes Caused
 Cancellation Of
 Pole Flight
(wAsHINGToN BUREAU)

M WASHINGTON, Feb. IS. - Two members of the expectations commit tee of the House initiated the opposi- tion, which resulted in the Presidents action preventing the north pole flight of the Shenandoah. They were Repre- sentatiyes w. B. Oliver, of Alabama, and J. F. Byrnes of South Carolina.
 They served notice on the committee that they would ask for q vote in the House on the proposition that any money hitherto appropriated for the navy, or which might be appropriated must not be expended in sending the Shenandoah to the North Pole. It is understood that the chairman of the committee, Representative Madden, of Illinois, carried the story of the opposi- tion to the President. The President, at any rate, immediately acted, and the proposed flight was off. M
 May Bring Resignation
 There Is an intimation today that as result of the President's action, which was offensive to the secretary of the navy, Edwin Denby, may give that official an excuse to retire from the cabinet. Despite the Presidents stated determination to stand by him despite the critisicm of the Senate, it was known that the presidential campaign would not be entered with Denby a member of the cabinet It was thought that as result of some development, Denby would resign, or the President feel free to request him to do so. The Shenandoah incident may serve the purpose, it said today, and .thhss ffsf Byrres and Mir, Oliver may lave killed two birds with 4 sinElE stcfie ss
 Merely sportlng Proposition
 Their opposition was heaea oa the fact that the proposed flight was mere. Fly q junket or sporting proposition, ably result in the loss of the giant dirigible, which taxed the government large sum of money, and is the only one in the military service of porper proportion for the purpose for which it was acquired.
 Neither member was concerned by the. representation of the navy depart ment that the planting of the flag on . block of ice at the North Pole would represent the requirement. by the Uni ted States of new territory which might otherwise be acquired by another na- tion and serve as a point of vantage for an attack in the future on the United States.
 It is understood that the President was moved to nasty action because of the departments intention of using for the flight funds which remained as a surplus from previous appropriation. He was given to understand that the point would be made on the floor that the department was using money spe- officially appropriated for other pur- poses and this without authority.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-17
NAVY HYDROPLANES
 ' # SALE IS ENDOWED
Charged That Purchasers Had Agreed To Sell Them To Canada

NORFOLK, Va, Feb. l6.--An in junction restraining E. M. Epstein of Norfolk, F. c. Erickson of Baltimore, and Jack Elliott of Hamilton, Ont, from disposing of 65 hydroplanes pur. chased from the navy has been obtained in federal court here by United States District Attorney Paul ". Rear.
 It is charged by the district attorney that the respondents sold or agreed to sell number of hydro airplanes bought by Epstein nt public auction at Hamp. ton Roads naval supply station to the Canadian government in violation of conditions of the contract of sale.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-17
COMMERCE BODY
 TO GIVE SIOO,OOO
Kansas City Civic Organization Guarantees Shriners' Expenses

KANSAS CITY, Mo-, Feb. 16.--A fund of $100,000 is guaranteed by the local Chamber of Commerce Shrine con- mittee to cover the expenses of enter taining the national convention of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Mobiles of the Mystic Shrine here June 3 to s, ac- cording to the announcement of +. J. Bannister, president of the chamber. An uncompleted estimate of donations yesterday approximated $95, 900.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-17
IS CANDIDATE FOR
 MAYOR OF GOTHAM
David H. Knott, Former Sheriff,
 To Make Race

MIAMI, Fla. Feb. 16.-David H. Knott, for four years sheriff of New York county, announced his candidacy for mayor of New York city in an in- terview with the News-Metropolis to- day at the Hotel Nautilus following conference he had with Mayor John K. Hylan of New York, in Palm Beach.
 Former Sheriff Knott was mention cd for the mayoralty two years ago when Mayor Hylan came up for renom- ination, but refused to run against the present mayor. MT. Knott is expected to have the support of the Hylan or ganization as we'll as his own organi- zation, which is said to include the sheriff's office, hotel, real estate and banking interests.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-17
WORD RECEIVED
 FROM MACMILLAN

TORT ANGEL, Wash, Feb. 1G.-- The first radio communica tion in .15 days with Capt. Donald B. MacMilldn' s exploration ship Bowtoin. frozen in ap- proximately T60 miles from the north pole, was established yesterday by Ev, erett sutton, 15-year-old amateur wire. leSs operator of this city.
 The Bowdoin operator declared every ons eDoard was in the beat of health.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-17
FAVOR PRESENT
 STRENGTH OF ARMY
House Committee Wants 125, ,000
 Men And 12,000 Officers

WASHINGTON, Feb. 10.-Hearings on the annual army appropriation bill, which has been in progress for two months were concluded today by q house subcommittee. Members are agreed that the present strength of the regular army, 125,000 enlisted men and 12.000 officers, should be maintained for another year.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-17
ADMITS ROBBING
 TWENTY HOUSES
Marvis Solomon, IT, C0nfesses
 To Miami, Fla, Police

MIAMI, Fla, Feb. 16.-Marvis Solo, mon. IT, arrested with Abraham Green stan of New York Friday night in con nection with robberies committed here during the last two weeks, has ad- mitted to the police that he served six months in prison in connection with a $200,000 jewelry and fur robbery in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn in April 1923. He named Harry Schendleman and Joseph Fosenblatz as accomplices and Petty Grant. 60, as a fence, off cers say. Solomon admits having robbed 20 houses here in two weeks.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-17
NEGRO PUBLISHERS
 TO HOLD MEETING
National Negro Press Associa- ton COnyenes In Nashville Today

k NASHVILLE, Tenn, Feb. 16.- Leading editors and publishers repre- senting newspapefb throughout tlse United States, will begin gathering here tomorrow for the annual convention, which opens weeks session Monday.
 Four nationally known universities here will be hosts to the visitors dur ing their stay in Nashville. J. Finley Wilson, editor of the Washington Eagle, president of the association, will pre- side over all sessions.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-17
DAVIS REQUESTS AUTHORITY FOR FLAT TOP PROBE Four Convicts Roasted To
 Death In Fridays
 Prison Fire DISTRIBUTE MINERS TO
 OTHER CAMPS AT ONCE Warden Praises Men Who All Helped Fight Flames None
 Tried To Get Away

MONTGOMERY, Ala, Feb. 16.-So- licitor James Davis of Jefferson coun- ty in "a telephone conversation with Governor Brandon, early this afternoon asked the chief executive for authority to have the Jefferson county grand jury investigate the fire which on Friday night destroyed the prison at Flat Top mine and resulted in the death of four negro convicts.
 The governor gave his consent to any legal investigation into the fire, on behalf of himsef and the state board of administration which administers state prison affairs, stating that both he and members of the board will CO., operate in any way with the conduct ing of such an investigation. He stated also that he would instruct the state fire marshal's department to cooper ate along the same lines. lo+.-e
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-17
LITERARY DIGEST
 POLL IS ATTACKED
Senator Harris Charges It Is
 Mellon Plan Argument

WASHINGTON, Feb. 16.-A de- mand that the Senate "propaganda committee investigate the Literary Di- gest's national tax poll was made today by Senator Harris, democrat. Georgia, in letter to Senator Moses, republican, New Hampshire, the committee chair man.
 Senator Harris said the magazine was in reality placing in the hands of voters n circular letter" which is nothing more or less than an argument and misleading one, for the Mellon plan.