The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-07-22
STRAY SHOT KILLS
 MISSISSIPPI MAN
Ray Dies By Own Pistol As It Falls From
 His Pocket

JACKSON, Miss, July 21.-(Spe. l.)-H. T. Ray of West Station merchant and planter, was accidentally killed this morning when pistol fell . from a hip pocket and was discharged the bullet crashing through his brain.
 Probes Sentiment-Gov. Henry l.. Whitfield is in Meridian today to ob- tain first hand information relative to the sentiment regarding the execution of Frank Atkinson and Clyde Greer, sentenced to be hanged for the murder of H. L. Bryant.
 Numerous requests that the death sen- te1ce be changed to life imprisonment have been made to the executive and wives of both the condemned men have made personal pleas to him. No de- cision has been made by Governor Whit field and it is probable that information gathered in Meridian will largely de- termine what action is to be taken. The execution date has been set for Friday, July 9.
 Two Pardons Granted-Two pardons and further suspension of sentences were received today at state peniten- tiary headquarters from Governor Whit field.
  fenced from Newton county in August, 1920, to serve three years for grand larcency. and H. l.. Cleveland, sen fenced on the same cl hrge, were granted their freedom, both having almost com pleted their terms.
 The further suspension of sentence was granted to H. $. Jackson, white man, sent to the penitentiary from At talla county in September, 1923, to serve one year for distilling. Jackson was suspended to provide for needy family.
 Rains Help Crops-Widely scattered showers that fell throughout the state the past week proved q blessing to the corn crop, but gave the boil weevil an opportunity to start its ravages on the cotton crop, reputed to be the best in the past five years.
 Young corn in all sections is said to be suffering from the lack of moisture, and for this reason farmers are wei coming the showers. Indications are, however. that considerably more rain is needed before the needs of the crop will be satisfied.
 J. NJ. Galceran Dies-J. NJ. Galceran. former state treasurer and secretary of the Mississippi railroad commission, died at the family residence this morn ing at 10 o'clock, following second stroke of paralysis.
 Mr. Galceran. who was 13 years old at his death, was native of New Or leans. but came to Mississippi and Hinds county while yet q young man. In 1881 he was married to Miss Willie Wells of Edwards. who survives him. He served the state as state treasurer for one term and served as secretary of the state railroad commission for eight years.
 S35,OOO In TaXes-Collections made by the state tax commission during the month of June and turned over to the state treasurer totaled S35.000, accord ing to statements made by Cecil Inman, chairman of the commission. The col lections were made from income and in heritance taxes.
 Of the amount collected, S13,00O was realized from income taxes and $22,OOO from inheritance taxes. Approximately S35, 900 has been collected since the re- organization of the commission, about the first of May,
 Firm OrpOrateS-Papers of incOr- poration for the Merchants Credit as sociation of Vicksburg were approved today and recorded in the office of the secretary of state, The firm is cap italized at $500 by Lewis l.. Switzler, and other merchants, for the purpose of conducting credit bureau.