davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-07
LIFE TO ASTRONOMY
Strain Wrecked Nerves Of Noted TeIe- scope Lens POlisher


 scope Lens POlisher
 Finishing a large telescope lens or mirror is such a nerve-wracking task that the experts who do the infinitely painstaking work sometimes suffer in- jury to their health and nerves. The Journal of the Royal Astronomical So- city of Canada recently contained an depreciation of James B. Mcdowell, who worked day and night on a 26-inch ob- jective, following by 27-inch objective, and after working to a very late hour often rested on a convenient couch. There he was found dead.
 The final work consisted in bringing the whole area of four thousand square inches to an accuracy of about an eighth of a wave length of light, one four hundred thousandth of an inch. The nervous tension which such exact ing work induced in Mir. Mcdowell and his able chief assistant, Fred Haze man, was shown by their inability to rest, think of anything else, or do any other work in the long waits of several hours required for the mirror to steady down before a reliable test of the re- suit of half an hours polishing could be made. The intervals after polishing were spent in futile testing or attempts to pass the time by solitaire or other card games. The disappointment, when, after all the care, anxiety and nervous strain, the mirror was finally in a smoothing process polished too deep in the center, was so great as to make Mir. Mcdowell actually i'll. It is certain that the great nervous strain, which these large optical surfaces entailed, un- dermined his health, robust as it was, and the tension of the figuring of the 26-inch Yale, closely followed by the 27- inch Ann Arbor, was too much for even his strength, and he died suddenly in the shop on November 2S last.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-07
OFFICERS ELECTED

Steel City Lodge, Woodmen of the World, of Ensley elected officers for the ensuing year at a well attended meeting of the lodge held last Monday night. Consul Commander Webb presid- ing. The officers elected were W. c. Keener, consul commander; Claude Beason. advisor; H. I. Veach, banker; ; Zack Walker. clerk; E. L. Miller, es- cort; Sam Dillashaw, watchman; w. J. Duke, sentry. A. H. Cawthorn was agers and Dr. J. T. Dawkins and Dr. elected member of the board of man. J. NJ. Carmichael examining physicians. The officers-elect will be installed at the first meeting in January.
 The lodge has made great progress during the year and applicants are re- ceived at almost every meeting night. The drill team under the command of Captain E. W. Startling is one of the most proficient in the 20 Regt. w. o. w. c. w.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-07
CRESENT CLUB
New Years Eve Dance To Be ElabOr
 ate Affair

The first dance of December of the Crescent club was held Friday night at the Tutwiler hotel and proved a most delightful affair, with large atten- dance of club members and their ladies
 Announcement is made through Robert S. Smith, secretary of the club of the New Years Eve dance at the Cascade Plunge, December 31, from the hours 10 D. m. till f a. m. This is to be a script dance and all friends of the club members are invited.
 In announcing the New Years Eve dance Secretary Smith said, among other things, to the members of the club Lets start talking about this dance Several invitations are enclosed. Give them to your friends and if you need more ask for them. This is going to be the biggest and best dance ever staged by the Crescent club. All you have te do is-invite your friends"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-07
ELKS TO HONOR
 MEMORY OF DEAD
Exercises At Third Presbyterian Church On Sunday Afternoon

Annual memorial exercises of Bir- mingham Lodge No. 79. Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, will be held Sunday afternoon, December z, at 5 o'clock at the Third Presbyterian church corner of Second avenue, south, and Twenty-second street, to which the public is cordially invited. Judge Leon McCord of Montgomery will make the principal address, and Judge w. P. McCrossin will deliver the eulogy to the deceased members. Music will be rendered by the church choir and Da- wilson's orchestra.
 The exrecises are held annually to the memory of "The Absent Brothers" As the secretary calls the roll of the members who have passed to the great beyond, a floral tribute is laid on the altar as each name is called. A pro gram appropriate to the occasion will be rendered. Dr. J. A. Bryan, pastor of the church and honorary chaplain of the lodge, will have part in the program. Dr. B. A. Fox is chairman of the committee on arrangements.
 The program follows: Invocation, Dr. J. A. Bryan funeral march, Davidsona orchestra; oration, Judge Leon Mo cord; selection, church choir; solo (selected) Owen Gillespie; eulogy, Judge W. P. McCrossin; selection, church choir; closing of lodge; benedic- tion, Dr. J. A. Bryan.
 Exalted Ruler Joe K. Saks, requests that every member of the lodge, who can possibly, do so,. attend this sacred service, as well as all Elks who are on visit to the city.
 At the regular meeting of the lodge to be held Tuesday night there is much business to be transacted and every member of the lodge is urged to attend. J. w. Allen, chairman of the new mem bership campaign committee, will make some announcements regarding the plans and details of the campaign.
 In view of the fact that it is the de- sire of the Elks of 79, in their annual Christmas tree offering to act as Santa Claus to the children of the city, who might be otherwise forgotten, the Christ mas tree committee, of which John Antwine is chairman, requests that par ents of children, who are able to pro- vide them with Christmas presents see to it that their children do not make application for the Elks bounty for by doing so they are possibly depriv- ing some less fortunate child of little Christmas cheer. The Elks have made a most generous provision for the poor. CT kiddies in the way of toys and Christmas presents dear to the heart of childhood, and naturally they want them to go to those most deserving.
 Chairman Antwine states that most of the presents for the Christmas tree have already been received and that everything is set for the big event for the kiddies.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-07
THOMAS (. MCCAIN

As chairman of the new membership campaign committee of Kamrnm Grotto meut to 10OoJ present. membership which is seeking to boost the enroll N990. Tom is setting a rapid pace in the matter of securing petitions for the January ceremonial. He is keeping the field workers enthused and indications are that the goal will be exceeded when the campaign closes early in January.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-07
WASHINGTON's SWORD

CLEVEIAND, Ohio-At the conven. tion of the Masonic Grand Lodge of Ohio held recently in this city, II. T Keiter stated that the American Unior lodge of Marietta, Ohio, was the oldest in the state and was established al Marietta in 17SS with General Israe Putnam as it's first master. It deriveu its name from it's beginning in the revolutionary army, when George Washington was its master. The sworc of the first president of our country ls still prized possession of this lodge according to Mir. Reiter.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-07
DAYS OF '49
California's First Masonic Lodgo Re produced Historically

SAN FRANCISCO, Cal-Exempli- fication of Masonic degree as it was conferred in the days of '49 was a fea- lure of the celebration of the seventy fifth anniversary of California Lodge No. in San Francisco, recently says the Christian Science Monitor.
 Miners" and merchants constituted degree team in an improvised lodge room of building now standing on the place where California Lodge No. IS, r. and A. M.," was organized in Octo- Der, 1S49. Officers of the lodge imper- sonated the men who gathered in that early time and every detail was re- produced with historical accuracy. The original gavr used by Levi Stowell, first master, was used to call to order the brethern seated on long wooden benches.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-07
KNOCK LODGE K. Of P.

Knock Lodge No. 57, Knights of Pythias. met Thursday night at the castle hail Pratt City in all informal social session in which the members oi the lodge and their ladies participated There was no set program but q number of entertaining features were introduced refreshments served, and a good time was had by all. On next Thursday night a new class of candidates will be started and the ranks conferred at a special
 meeting.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-07
HOLMES PROTOTYPE
Conan Doyle Inspired by Deductive Faculties of An Edinburgh Surgeon.

Faculties of An EdlnDurgn surgeon. From the Argonaut.
 Recent publication of Sir Arthur Conan Doyles "reminiscences has, of course, renewed interest in Sherlock Holmes and his creator.
 In the palmy days of the great edtec- tive it was often supposed that he was real personS-an obvious tribute to the realistic powers of his author. But the only prototype from which Doyle worked up his creation of a superla- lively clever detective was a surgeon at the Edinburg infirmary, Joseph Bell. whom Doyle met in his student days.
 Bell was a remarkable man in body and mind. He was a skilled surgeon, but his strong point was diagnosis, not only of disease, but of occupation and character. In one of his cases Bell said to a civilian patient: "Well, my man, you've served in the army"
 Aye, sir"
 ''Not long discharged?"
 "No, sir"
 "A highland regiment?"
 "Aye, sir
 "A non-com. officer?'
 "Ave. sir"
 "Stationed at Barbados?"
 Aye, sir"
 You see, gentlemen" he would ex- plain, ''the man was a respectable man, but he did not remove his hat. They do not in the army, but he would have learned civilian ways if he had been long discharged. He has an air of au- thority, and is obviously Scottish. As to Barbados, his complaint is elephan- tiasis, which is West Indian and not British"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-07
VISITING COMMITTEE

The visiting committee of the Odd Fellows lodge of the Birmingham dis trict will meet with .Avondale lodge No. JOS. at Avondale on Thursday night, December II. This is one of the most progressive lodges in the district and d large attendance is expected The com mittee visited Mineral City Lodge No. "A last Tuesday night and profitable meeting was had.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-07
RANK OF PAGE
Steel City Lodge To Discuss Increase
 Of Benefits

The rank of page was conferred at the regular meeting of Steel City Lodge No. 190, Knights of Pythias, held at Ensley Tuesday evening. The attend ance was large and included visitors from Birmingham and Wylam, who as- sisted in the conferring of the degree.
 Several applications for the ranks were received also two or three for re- instatement.
 At the next regular meeting Tues day evening, December 9, the rank of esquire will be conferred on three candi- dates, and all members are urged to be present. A matter of importance that will come up will be the report of the committee in regard to increasing the funeral benefits.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-07
TO EXTRADITE LUCCHESI

DES MUINES, Dec. 0.-A deputy sheriff left here tonight for Memphis to return to Des Moines under an ex- tradition warrant Isadore Lucchesi, vice president of the defunct United States bank, which closed its doors several months ago. Lucchesi accord ing to word received here late today, was arrested in Memphis this afternoon under the name of Arzon Burham. He is charged with embezzlement.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-07
CYRENE COMMANDERY
Musical Program Enjoyed At Knisi
 Templar COnclavo

Templar Conclavo
 An interesting and enjoyable muxcai program was rendered at the regular conclave of Cyrene Commandery, No. 10, Knights Templar, held Friday night in the small auditorium of the Masonic temple. The conclave was opened in full ceremonial form by T. B. Mar shall, commander, with an unusually large number of sir knights in full uni form in attendance. A number of pe- titions were received for the clam to be initiated January z. This will be special occasion and all the orders, Red Cross, Malta and Templar, will be conferred.
 Preceding the conclave light refresh ments were served in the dining room of the temple. George Lewis Bailes was chairman of the committee on ar. r;.ngements.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-07
REID MEN TO MEET.

There will be joint meeting Of Tecumseh Tribe, No. 21, and Hiawatha Council. Improved Order of Red Men, on Tuesday night, December 9, at the Fraternal hall Several matters of in tcreSt will come before the meeting and all members of both bodies are urged to bn DreSeut
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-07
DANCES AT PARK
Kamram Patrol To Sponsor Dances At
 EdgeWOod

The drill patrol of Kamram Grotto, is sponsoring a series of script dances at the dance pavilion at Edgewood park, the recently acquired by the Grotto for the use of its members. These dances will be given every Satur- day night and all prophets and their ladies are invited to attend. The best of music is provided and everything is done to insure a real good time. The park can be reached by street car, via the South Highland line, or by paved motor road direct to the park gates.
 The dances are being given under the pernosal supervision of Capt. Bob" Alexander, and members of the patrol which bespeaks the high character of dance affairs.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-07
AT.AnnVN TEMPLE.

Annual meeting and election of off cers of Aladdin Temple, Knights of Khorassan, will be held, December 15, at which time the officers will make their annual report and review the business of the temple for the year. Herbert L. Cobbs, royal vizier, requests that every votary attend this meeting at some matters of vital interest are to come up for discussion.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-07
CEIERRATE ANNIVERSARY

WASHINGTON, D. C.-Washington Commandery. No. 1, Knights Templar will celebrate its one hundredth ami vcrsary in January next year. Tie pro gram will cover the best part of a week and will include attendance upon divine service, a pilgrimage to Mount Vernon to lay a wreath upon the tomb of Wash ington, supper dance at the New Wil:, lard and stated conclave and formal Lnnnnef
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-07
ENCAMPMENT TO MEET.

Birmingham Encampment, No. 21, In dependant Order of Odd Fellows will hold its annual meeting and nomina- ton of officers next Wednesday night at the Fraternal hall. Reports of of ficers will be made and there will be work in the degrees. All members are urged to attend.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-07

monies; Joseph Dixon Matlock. Bir- mingham, conductor John B. Bethea, Birmingham, herald; John Phillip Mel vin Tuscaloosa, steward, and William NJ. Waldo, Montgomery, sentinel.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-07
MINT HARVEST OF ENGLAND

Chairman Membership Committed
The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-07

Birmingham is well represented when theofficers of the Order of High Priest hood of the Royal Arch Chapter were chosen as follows: George A. Beau champ, Montgomery, president; Woolsey Finnell, Tuscaloosa, vice presidents Will liam E. Bingham, Tuscaloosa, chaplain ]; Archibald R. Thompson, Montgomery, treasurer; John Wilson Terry, Mont gomcry, recorder; William Walter Ranson, Birmingham, master of cere-
The Washington times., 1924-06-21
WATERMELONS
HELD UP BY
EMBARGO
Georgia Governor Refuses to
Lift Florida Ban of State
Veterinarian

ATLANTA, Ca, June Glow.
ernor Clifford w. Walker Of Georgia,
has refused to life the embargo
F. Bahnson, preventing the ship
ment Of Florida watermelons through
the State of Georgia. The en-
barge, according to Bahnson, was
created in order to protect southern
Georgia from stick infested" straw
in which the melons are packed for
shipment. AS a result of Governor
Walkers refusal to intervene APP
proximately 5000 car loads Of Florida
melons face ruin.
The Georgia executive told a com.
mittee which visited him that he
was willing to do everything pos
sible to help the Florida growers,
but stated that he did not see how
he could countermand the ruling Of
the State veterinarian. Georgia has
spent a huge sum in Graduating
ticks from the southern part Of the
State, it was pointed out, and
Bahnson declared this work would
be In vain should the tick infested
straw be shipped across that sec.
ton.
Members Of the committee, sew
eral railway officials of roads which
were to move the melon shipments,
declared that the embargo will be
disregarded and that the crop will
be moved as usual. In their plea
to the executive, members Of the
committee stated that many north
Florida farmers face ruin unless
their melons can be shipped TO
Eastern markets Immediately.
The Washington times., 1924-06-21
Five Deaths Reported
AS Freak Storms Break
Heat Wave in Chicago

CHICAGO, June 21.-Five deaths
and property loss totaling more
than 100000 today were the toll
OF freak storms which quenched the
sizzling heat wave.
The storms, which focused in
the Great Lakes region, resulted
from the meeting of two climatic
extremes, an unusually severe hot
wave from the southwest and an
unusual cold wave from the north
west.
Texas, Oklahoma, and other
Southwestern States had sweltered
under 80 to ITO degrees for a week.
AT the same time, low temperatures
ruled in Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota,
Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, and
Ohio.
Two lost their lives in a tornado
which struck near Dickinson, N. D.,
when the extremes met. Telephone
and telegraph lines were blown
down and heavy property damage
was claimed by the storm.
Another storm swept Winnehago
and Ogle counties, Illinois. There
was no loss Of life. but property
damage Of $1,000,000 was wreaked.
Another tornado swept southern
Wisconsin, taking heavy toll be.
tween Chicago and Milwaukee. A
cloudburst. struck near Racine, Wis.
At Palo, ILL.,. a live wire fell dur
ing storm. electrocuting a little
girl wading in a pond, A boy
was struck by lightning when he
sought shelter from the storm In
a tree at the jackson Park golf
course in Chicago and another was
drowned at one of the bathing
beaches.
The Washington times., 1924-06-21
RALSTON BOOM
IS PUSHED BY
TAGCART
Hoosier Boss Begins His
Campaign at New York.
His Views
BY ALBERT f. RAENZEGER.
International News Service.


NEW YORK. June 21.-With the
arrival of Tom Taggart, Democratic
leader from Indiana, the boom for
Senator Samuel M. Ralston, as the
party's choice for the Presidency,
was actively put under way in q
series of conferences held at the
Waldorf today. Taggart spent the
morning holding sessions with lead.
ers Of the old guard.
Taggart left no doubt in the minds
Of his questioners as to the purpose
Of these gatherings. He stated posi-
lively that all his efforts would be
centered toward the nomination of
Senator Ralston, and that he would
against either McAdoo or Governor
Smith.
There Is only one combination
which the delegates from Indiana
will become party to, and that is
one which will have the nomination
Of Senator Ralston as its result,
said Taggart. cit would APPEAR now
that the only way in which the
Democratic party can fail to win
out easily next fall would be to
select the wrong man TO mead the
ticket.
1--WE are thoroughly convinced
that Senator R4Iston Is the one man
In the field around which the fac
tions in the party can unite. He
has not permitted himself to become
entangled in any Of the issues, which
are bound to split the organization
into opposing camps. He stands
squarely upon his record as COVER
nor of the State Of Indiana and as
a United States Senator.
Everybody in the party can unite
under his broad standard OF efficient
government which he has demon.
strated not SO much in what he says,
but by what he has done.
His name viii be put before the
convention as a man who is willing
to let the party designate the plat
form on which he is to run. The
stories circulated about his falling
health are without foundation. He
Is ready and fit to put up the battle
Of his life. for the party"
Taggart came to the convention
from Hyannisport, Mass, where he
celebrated his forty-seventh wedding
anniversary on June II with his
family.
The Washington times., 1924-06-21
BAPT|STCHURCH
MINISTERS
To MEET
Annual Executive Conference
of CIerics to Be Held at
Metropolitan

The colored Baptist Ministers
Conference of the District Of Co.
lumbia will convene in their annual
executive session at the Metropol.
itan Baptist Church, Twelfth and
r streets northwest, Monday morn
ing.
Doctor L. K. Williams Of Chi.
cago, president of the National
Baptist Convention, Inc, will de.
liver the principal address. DIR.
S. G. Lampkins, president of the
Mount Bethel State Convention will
present Doctor NJ. w. D. Norman,
president of the local Baptist Min.
listers Conference, who will be mas.
ter Of ceremonies. The Reverend
Doctor ]. Harvey Randolph, pas
tor Of Mount Moriah Baptist
Church of this city will give the
welcome address, after which the
Reverend Doctor w. H. Jernagin,
president of the National Race
Congress, will present Doctor win.
Jams.
Fluctuations by the Reverend
Doctor Walter H. Brooks, pastor
of the Nineteenth Street Baptist
Church, followed by special choir
music will conclude the program.
Other local ministers who viii ap.
pear are the Reverends Doctor j.
Milton Waldron. pastor of Shiloh
Baptist Institutional Church, Doc.
tor G. o. Bullock, pastor Of Third
Baptist Church and Doctor L. e.
keiser, pastor Of Walker Memorial
Baptist Church.
The Reverend Doctor James L.
Washington is secretary of the
committee on ARRANGEMENTS.
The Washington times., 1924-06-21
Temporary Officers
Named by. Committee
At It's Final Session

NEW YORK, June 81. - The
Democratic National committee,
holding its final session before the
opening Of the convention, today
perfected. its convention organiza-
ton by the formal election of tenn.
porary officers.
The selection Of Senator Pat Har.
rison OF Mississippi as temporary
chairman and keynote speaker was
formally approved. Charles s.
Greathouse, Of Indiana, was named
temporary secretary and Burt New
OF Indiana, executive secretary.
A spirit Of harmony pervaded
the session climaxed by an an.
nouncement from Chairman Cordell
Hull that no contests had been
filed in any Of the delegations to
the convention.
The committee in selecting con-
vention officers named J. j, Hughes
OF Iowa, as sergeant.at.arms, and
Joseph s. Sinnott, Of Virginia, as
head doorkeeper. It also author.
lied the national committeeman and
woman to select IS assistant Oocre.
tarisA ona xom each statA,