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THE BIRMINGHAM AGE-HERALD VOLUME XXXXII BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA, THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 1913 13 PAGES NUMBER 339 WILSON OVERSTEPS ANOTHER OBSTACLE IN INTEREST OP THE REVISION! TARIFF Leaves White House Offices Again to Confer With the Senate Finance Committee NO AGREEMENT BINDING SENATE LEADERS REACHED Senate Situation Canvassed in Detail in Conference—Little Difficulty in Standing Together, Thinks President—House Agrees to First Schedule Washington, April 9.-In the interest of Success for the democratic tariff revision bill, President Wilson today Btepped over another obstacle In the way of perfect harmony between the White House and directing forces of Congress. For the second successive day he left his offices In the White House and journeyed to the capitol, this time for an Hour and a half’s conference with democratic members of the Senate finance committee. At its conclusion the President stated frankly to newspaper men* that he and members of the Senate were agreed that nothing stood in the way of harmonious support of the "party platform" as to tariff revision. The Senate situation wras canvassed in detail in the conference. The dangers that might threaten a single bill should the opponents of free sugar and free wool combine in sufficient strength to endanger the democratic majority in the Senate were discussed, but no agreement was reached that binds the Senate leaders to fciiy definite line of action. Details Discussed. While the Senate conference was in progress, the full democratic membership of the House was in otmctis at the other end of the capitol, discussing the details of the tariff bill, the first schedule of which was .agreed to without change. Representative Underwood, the dernocrat ic leader, stated at the conclusion of the day's caucus that the laiiit revision would .go through the House as a single bill. The President again ignored long stand ing precedent in seeking a legislative con ference within the capitol. He met the senators in the President’s room, near the Senate chamber, where Presidents have long come to sign the last hills of a dying Congress, but which had never be fore been used for such a purpose as to day's within the knowledge of Senate historians. At the end of the conference the Presi dent, with democratic simplicity, stepped into the Senate corridor to tell newspaper n.en the results of the meeting. Members of the Senate finance committee had agreed that the President should be the only spokesman for tlie conference. Discussed Tariff "I hope the senators and representatives will permit me to come here frequently and confer with them in a way to save their time and mine," he said. “At our conference this afternoon we were, of course, discussing the tariff. The net re sult is we don’t see any difficulty about standing together on any sort of party programme." The President was asked-if the confer ence had decided whether the tariff w'ould be revised in a single hill or schedule by schedule. "That’s a matter for the other end of the capitol," he answered, pointing to ward the House side. "But they will be guided by your advice, (Continued on Page Eight.) TODAY’S AGE-HERALD 1—Wilson talks with Senate finance committee. Mexican federal started rtate troops. Declare condition of pope not grave. Hobson declines to meet Heflin in suf frage debate. Underwood wins distinct victory. Desperate battle to check waters, t—Opening session of woman’s mission. 5— Wilson knew how to get audience. 4—Editorial comment. 6— Visitors pleased with cement plant site. To distribute 20,000 Catnlpa trees. Three men arrested charge with mur der. Thirty days enough for Ka van a ugh at Washington. €— Society. 7— *8ports. 8— Sensational disclosures in convict probe. 9— Rig leagues open today. 11—Markets. lhr-Many sets of books to be examined. ____ TO STUDY AMERICAN WOMEN OF FASHION I JACQUES WORTH The successful launching of a new era in fashion by the creation of a closer bond of understanding between the great French couturiers and their greatest pat ron, the American woman, is one of the principal objects of the trip to America of Jacques Worth, of the world famed house of Parisian fashion creators of that name. OJEDA’S FEDERALS STARTLE THE STATE • Continue Aggressive Fight ing Against Great Odds. Lack of Artillery Ham pers the State Forces Naco, Arlz., April 9.—Although be sieged by a force three times their number, Ojeda’s federals today Con tinued their aggressive fighting by brilliant sallies from Naco. Sonora. Each time the state troops attempt ed to attack the little barefooted sol diers met them not alone with fire from the trenches but with charges, retreats and counter charges. When the group under Colonel Calles late this afternoon attempted to rush the federal positions. General Ojed.i went out to meet the enemy. Calles soon fell h&ctv «*im the full force of 300 federals continued until they en countered the command of Bracamunte and the Yacjul Indian division. Ail but] one machine gun of the constitutional ists was silenced but soon the gunners of the remaining piece were slaught ered by a shower of shrapnel from the advancing federal lines. Then Ojeda retreated rapidly to his base. Press Garrison Defenders With the end of the fighting the state forces for a while pressed the I garrison defenders but with no result. I Ojeda, however, lost many capable men, among them a captain, Mendoza, who had shown great valor in the early fighting. One of the American negro deserters from the Ninth United States cavalry, while operating a federal ma I chine gun from the roof of the bar ! i acks, | dozen bullets. J^acK ot artillery or efficient artil lery operators seriously hampered the state forces. Even the Indians to day failed to show their former spirit in fighting, Ojeda's tactics of aggres siveness in defending a fortified po sition appearing to baffle the attack ers. Although not as dangerous as yester day, the fire on the Arizona side of the line did not permit the resumption of business here. The town was placed under strict martial law. The Ninth cavalary troopers patrolled all streets and forced spectators to keep under cover. Lead fell near the railway sta tion. The row of coke cars placed along the line by Colonel Guilfoyle prevent ed many shots from reaching the American town. The most sensational fighting of the day occurred when a detachment of 45 federals were trapped by the state troops some distance from town. Eigh teen returned to the garrison bearing their wounded captain. Ten crossed the international line and were held by United States troops. The remainder cither were killed or captured. The only advantage gained during the day by the attacking forces was the construe- I tion of breastworks and trenches with- i in 300 yards of the town. The works was accomplished only after great loss of life. Determined to crush Ojeda, the constitutionalists tonight declared! they will continue the battle tomorrow, advancing their positions in the night! Tn spite of deaths, wounded and deser tions, Ojeda appears to keep Ills fdree re cruited to the original 300 mark. In ex planation it is asserted that armed recruits have been smuggled through tfie United States from Juarez. This, how ever. is not verified by investigation of tlie United States border patrol. BRECKENRIDGE TO BE NEXT ASSISTANT WAR SECRETARY __ Official Information Says All Other Candidates Eliminated. Wallace Talks With President on Protection of Birds—Ask Southern Representatives for Diplomatic Service By C. E. STEWART Washington, April 9.—Official Informa tion at the White House tills morning is to the effect that Henry C. Breckenrldge of Kentucky will be appointed assistant secretary of war, and that all other can didates are now eliminated from the con test. General Graves Is still at the New Willard and yesterday was utl(l hopeful of his appointment. Senators Bankhead and Johnston called upon the President today and presented John H. Wallace, Jr., state game and fish commissioner of Alabama, who sug gested hli plan for conservation and the ssroUcUon of migratory birds through the medium of treaties with other American nations to the President. The President requested Mr. Wallace to submit him a memorandum of his plan, and assured him of his sympathy. Senator McLIean. the author of the bill for the protection of migratory birds, passed at the last ses sion, Is also in sympathy with such a movement, and It is believed that early action will be taken. Representative Heflin waH taken up the matter of securing representatives from the southern states in the consular and diplomatic service In European countries with President Wilson and Secretary of State Bryan. He Insists that if the south can be so represented that it will be of great benefit to the cotton trade In the I southern state*. 1 OFFICIAL REPORTS DECLARE CONDITION OF POPENOT GRAVE Anxiety Continues on Ac count of Weakness of Cr Roman Pontiff h NO IMMEDIATE DANGER IS FELT Condition Improves During Night. Report That Pope Is Afflicted With Asthma Is Erroneous. Many (lather at St. Peters London. April 10.—A Rome dispatch to the Chronicle says that one of the Pope’s physicians has expressed the opinion that his holiness will rally for a time but that his general condition renders It unlikely that he will liiRt out the present month and that the end may come suddenly from heart failure. Rome, April 9.—All official reports regarding the condition of Pope Pius X agree that his condition is not grave and that there is no immediate danger. Anxiety, however, continues on account of the weakness of the pontiff and the i action of his heart, which is in need of constant stimulation. The attending physicians found that the condition of tlie pope had improved during the night and this improve ment was maintained throughout the day, although the afternoon tempera ture showed a slight increase. Again this evening ids temperature rose slightly, but the difference from that of the afternoon was hardly perceptible. The patient’s weakness is being treated by the regular administration of eggs beaten in milk, but the lack of nourishment contributes to the de pression from which the pope suffers.^ The relapse is following the same course as the original attack of in fluenza, a cough being present, with irritation of the bronchial tubes and difficulty in respiration, which has led to the report In some cases that the pope is afflicted with asthma. Tills, however, is erroneous. The condition of albuminusia, which usually accom panied influenza, also is present, indi cating an inflammation of the kidneys of greater or lesser degree. This may be of a transitory character. Satisfaction Is Felt Professor Marchiafava visited the pope tnly twice today, morning and evening and expressed satisfaction at the course the illness is taking. The pope's sisters a'wj nieces spent much time at the bed side and when not there were kept con stantly informed by telephone as to tiie progress of events. The pope has expressed terror at what the newspapers are capable of inventing about his relapse. He is being watched in turn by his valet and his secretaries, Monsignors Breasan and Pescini and the chemist monk Pros aocimo also is In close attendance. When during the afternoon he felt the effect of a thunderstorm of extraordinary violence the pope remarked that his or ganism was so sensitive to atmospheric changes that he iiad come to be a kind of a barometer and thermometer. It was reported that Cardinal Katsch thaler, Arehbishop of Salzburg, had post poned Ills departure as he wished to be in Rome in caseof eventualities, but this proved not to be true, as lie left here to day for his home, and this is considered another evidence that the pontiff has really Improved, or at least that the dan ger is not imminent. Thousands Gather The spectacle of the immense square ill front of St. Peter’s today recalled the scenes during the Illness of Pope Deo XIII, but instead of a burning July sun, as in 1903, there was a downpour of rain. This did not prevent thousands of pil grims from gathering and gazing With grave anxiety at the three windows of the room on the third floor of the apos tolic palace where the pope lies, or from directing sympathetic glances at the little house In the square below where the sis ters of the pope occupy a moderate apart ment on the top floor. Professor Marchiafava In a statement to the Associated Press expressed him self as highly Indignant at the exag gerated reports that had been circu lated. He gave solmn assurances that the Pope’s illness was running a per fectly normal course and said that if no complications arose he would guaran tee that the pontiff would be convales cent within a week. Dr. Marchiafava spoke with the greatest apparent sin cerety. Perfect calm prevailed at the Vatican this Evening and the normal routine seemingly had been resumed. Dr. Amici retired for a considerable time to his room previous to going to tlie ante room adjoining that occupied by the pope for the night, it was announced, while the Pope was enjoying a peaceful sleep. PEOPLE 10 ELECT First to Be Effected by New Election Amend ment Washington, April 9.—Ratification of the constitutional amendment pro viding for direct election of United Spates senators will have its first ef fect upon the senatorial situation in Georgia, it was said here today. Sen ator Bacon was renominated at a di rect primary last year and would have been re-elected by the state legislature in June. The chunge in «lie constitu tion will force the calling of a general election when Hie legislature assembles and Senator Bacon s name will be sub mitted to the people for direct approval. Tlie Georgia situation is unique be cause of the summer session of the legislature. Although nominated at a popular primary last year Senator Ba con now is serving under un appoint ment by the governor, his term hav ing expired March t. As the new amendment takes away from the legis lature the power to elect a senator it may direct the governor to again make an appointment until a special election •an be held. HOBSON DECLINES TO MEET HEFLIN IN SUFFRAGE DEBATE Declares He Will Debate Only With Candidates for Senator DOES NOT CONSIDER SUFFRAGE AN ISSUE Anti-Woman Suffrage League Asks Heflin to Speak in Michigan. Celebrate Defeat of Votes for Women By C. R. STEWART Washington, April 9.^-(Special.)—Repre sentative Hobson has received a letter from Prof. A. R. Jones of the Coosa El more Training school at Equality, Ala., in which he seeks to arrange a joint dis cussion of the woman’s suffrage question between Hobson and Representative Heflin for the first week in September. Representative Hobson today replied to this letter, in part as follows: “The question of a joint debate must be considered in the light of the fact that 1 am a candidate for the United States ’ Senate to succeed Senator Johnston and have already made a formal announce ment of candidacy, and r,m actively conducting my campaign. I have always believed that it is well for candidates to make known fully their positions,on all public matters, and I have not hesitated at any time to act accordingly, even though my views and ideas might appear not in full accord with those of others. In joint debates the proper practice is for candidates to debate only with a candi date, and 1 shall be glad to accept any invitation to meet any candidate for the United States Senate at any practicable time and joint debate, but I cannot prop erly debate with those who are not candidates. Arrange for Friend to Meet Him “Therefore, in answer to your invita-| tion, I will state that if Mr. Heflin is a candidate for the Senate, and so avers himself. 1 shall be glad to meet him in joint debate on the question. If, how ever, he is not a candidate, but only seeks to injure me in injecting himself into my j campaign, whether from his own prompt ings or at the instance of interests that seek my defeat, I will arrange for some lriend of mine to meet him on the ques tion for woman's suffrage. “However, In such a debate i do not think the discussion should be confined to woman suffrage, as I do not regard wom an suffrage as an issue in the senatorial campaign in Alabama, and 1 shall not make it an issue, but I am ready at all times to state my position.” Anti-Suffragettes Celebrate Mr. Heflin has not received so far an in vitation from Professor Jones to partici pate In the discussion, though he has had a letter from a friend at Equality sug gesting the plan. Representative Heflin today received a telegram lroin the Anti Woman's Suffrage league of Michigan, advising him that that state had gone against woman suffrage in the election Monday by over 50,000, and that they would give a banquet celebrating the victory on April 18, and inviting him to be the principal speaker. The legislature in Pennsylvania has just refused to submit the question to a vote of the people, so another advice to Mr. Heflin states. Mr. Heflin is now regarded as the national champion oe the anti-woman suffragists, and is daily getting requests for speeches. I I TO AVERT TROUBLE WITH THEJAPANESE Will Not Interfere With California Legislation, But Personally Anxious to Avoid Difficulties Washington, April 9.—While President Wilson let it be known today after a con ference with Representative Raker that the federal government would not inter fere with the action of the California leg islature in the pending alien land law. there aimed principally at Japanese, it is understood in official circles that neither President Wilson nor Secretary Bryan will desist using their good offices in a personal way to avert what the Japanese government might construe as an affront. The President let it be known today that it was not his purpose to attempt in terference with the sovereignty of a star*, but that of course any state legislation affecting treaty rights was subject to re view by the supreme court. Diplomatists pointed out that another question also involving treaty obligations is pending between Japan and the United States, that of the fur Beal convention. Former President Taft just before leaving office urged Congress to pass certain laws that the United States might not be remiss in subserving treaty obligations. Great Britain has also made representa tions on what it claims to be a nonfulfill ment of the fur seal treaty. It is sug gested now that any charge of a breach of treaty obligations with Japan and Great Britain on the California loglsla I tion and fur seal questions might become a factor in the pending negotiations be tween the United States and Great Britain over the exemption of American coastwise ships from canal tolls which Great Britain also contends to be a breach of a treaty obligation. Ask Direct Elect ion Albany, N. Y.. April 9.—Governor Sul zer Is preparing a bill for introduction in the legislature providing for the elec tion of 1 nited Slates senators at gen eral elections. Under the proposed meas ure the successor to Senator Kllliu Root would be chosen at the gubernatorial •lection In 1911. UNDERWOOD WINS DISTINCT VICTORY AT PARTY CAUCUS Sortie by the Insurgents Against Tariff Leader Repulsed PARTY’S SUPPORT A HIGH TRIBUTE Saunders Leads Attack on Committee Appointments But Is Forestalled by Alabamian—Leadership Is Emphatically Recognized By C. E. STEWART Washington, April 9.—(Special.)—The leadership of Oseur Underwood and the tariff bill, which bears his name, were In dorsed at the caucus of the House demo crats today most emphatically. The dem ocratic insurgents made a sortie against Leader Underwood and his tariff bill, only to be repulsed in such a manner that in all probability they will be good for some time to come. The first demonstration against the Un derwood organization was waged over the matter of committee assignments. Mr. Underwood and his lieutenants decided that in order that the attention of the House should be riveted on the tariff de bate that only the committees necessary for the transaction of business should be appointed at this time Mr. Underwood heard before the caucus met that the in surgents were growling over this decision and that they planned to force the adop tion of a resolution providing for the im mediate appointment of all committees. Forestall Action Accordingly, Mr. Underwood smilingly announced early in the caucus that he had been informed that some members wanted all committees named at once, and he sug gested that those who entertained this view should act immediately. Thereupon Representative Saunders of Virginia pre sented a resolution directing the ways and means committee, which is intrusted with this work, to name all the other commit tees. Their caucus was at once converted into a mass of howling objectors, and Mr. Saunders, realizing what he was up against, withdrew' his objection and res olution. Then Representative Thompson of Oklahoma, who is an Insurgent, and ad mits It, proceeded to do some plain and fancy insurglng. He declared that he had a reform to propose. He voiced his objection to the selection of the other House committees by the committee on ways and means. “This Is the opportune time to act,” said the smiling Under wood. The Oklahoma member spluttered a mo ment or two and then sat down. He had only opened his mOuth to speak when lie observed by the hostile attitude of prac tically all his colleagues that the majority were content to have the committees named by Mr. Underwood and his col leagues on the ways and means. So far as the bill itself is concerned, so far as they have proceeded with it in the caucus, not the crossing of a ”T" or the dotting of an “I” has been changed. Mr. Underwood’s success as the leader in the House is paid a high tribute by the report he is receiving at the hands of the members of his party. Washington. April 9.—Dropping tariff | schedules temporarily for the baseball schedule, President Woodrow Wilson is i expected to open the American league season here tomorrow afternoon between Washington and the New York team by j tossing the first ball. This was the pro I gramme tonight, but it all depends upon the weather. Indications tonight were none too favorable for tomorrow, with rain and cool weather predicted. Although probably not quite as enthu siastic a fan" as former President Taft, President Wilson lias accepted the “pres idential pass” and hopes to attend many games. plans have been completed for tomor row’s struggle and prospects are that local "fans” will be out in full force if the weather permits. Walter Johnson probably will pitch for the home team and Caldwell for New York. Morton Much Improved New York, April 9.—Levi P. Morton, former vice president of the United States, who has been gravely ill for sev eral weeks, is showing marked improve ment. At bis home today it was said that Mr. Morton was feeling better than at any time since his illness began, lie is 89 years old. County to Pay Chattanooga and Birmingham Inter urban $15,000 Annually Chattanooga, April 9.—(Special.)—The Hamilton county court this afternoon ac cepted the proposition of the Chatta nooga and Birmingham Inter urban com pany whereby the county is to rent the bridge to be erected by the company over the Tennessee river bye for $15,000 per annum. This price is paid for passage rights for pedestrians and vehicles. The passage of the resolution by the court will hasten the completion of the new interurhan line as a time clause is Included. Snow in Sioux City Sioux City, la., April 9.—A blanket snow from four to ten inches deep, one of the heaviest fulls of the winter, covers a large part of South Dakota and North Dakota and Western Iowa and still is falling. Snow blockades arc feared on western South Dakota rail road lines. The moisture will benefit cl ops. | MAY BECOME NEW PRESIDENT OF CHINA LI YUEN HUNG It Is not likely that Gen. Li Yuan-hung, provisional vice president of China, and commandant at Wuchang, will lend him self to any plot to overthrow President Yuan, though his name is mentioned as a possible Kuo-Ming-tang candidate for the presidency. He is not a member of that party. It has been but a few months sine© General LI was charged by Kuo Ming-tang leaders with responsibility for the summary shooting of three military officers sent from Wuchang to Peking, und in consequence it has been the pur pose of the Kuo-Ming-tang politicians to drive him from the vice presidency. Pres ident Yuan has had the cordial support of the vice president since the formation of the provisional government. STRIKE TO ENFORCE MANHOOD SUFFRAGE Children of Nearly 400,000 Workers Sent Out of the Country—A Last Des perate Measure Brussels. Belgium, April 0.—The first I active move in preparation for a great I general strike to enforce the grant of | manhood suffrage in Belgium was made j today by the sending out of the country ! of many children of the 300,000 or 400,000 I workers who will lay down their tools i on Monday, April 14, at the behest of the j socialist party.' It is expected that the I train service will cease or be greatly ! impeded after Sunday and the wives and daughters of hundreds of workmen with tlie little ones of their own families or those of neighbors are crossing the fron tiers on every train placing the noncom hatants as it were in safety in neutral states. Offers of provisional homes abroad have arrived this week at the rate of 1000 daily and the directing committee of the striko has received 11,000 offers thus far, 6000 from France, 40GQ from Holland and 1000 from Germany. Trade has increased in all kinds of preserved foods, beans, rice and flour, and the sales of illuminating oils and candles have tripled. Last Desperate Measure The strike has been decided on by the Belgium socialist party as the last des perate measure to make the government give them a system of manhood .suffrage instead of the system of plural' voting now' in vogue. Its success or failure will be of consequence to the world at large, j If It. succeeds it will demonstrate the , practicability of the strike as a political , weapon. Previous attempts at political as \ distinguished from economic strikes have ) invariably ended in failure, notably in Spain and France, and tlie opinion has been generally held that the political strike Is impotent. The Belgian move ment appeared to have been planned with extraordinary skill and care. The work ers are determined and full of faith in the justice of their cause. The resources at their disposal are considerable both In money and kindred aid and they have the practically though unofficial support of I the liberals nonetheless vigorous from j being indirect. The proporietor of the liberal newspaper, the Petit Bleu, has ! j romised formally to pay $l*0,UXJ per week into the strike fund as long as the move ment lasts and the strikers assert that they can hold out for six weeks. May Prove Turning Point Many Belgians believe that tills strike will prove a turning point in the history of Belgium, that it will result In political changes of incalculable importance and ! some predict a revolution hi the separa tion of the Waloon and Flemish provinces, or a dynastic crisis. The government faced with the serious problem meaning economic catastrophe for an industrial country like Belgium has occupied itself chiefly in making arrangements to repress disorder which these socialists deride as they are deter mined that the strike shall be peaceful. The socialist chiefs, Emile Vandervolde and Kdouard Anseele, affirm that any violence which may occur will 1^ pro voked by the government and not by them. It Is understood that all the gen darmes are to be called upon as well a» the civil guard and seven) classes of troops mobilized, to guard the railroads and assure the public services. Large coal orders have been placed In England <Coatinned on I'Lge Eight) DESPERATE BATTLE IS BEING WAGED TD HOLD TURBULENT WATERS IN CHECK One Levee Gives Way Be fore Raffing Flood Waters of Mississippi River Near Memphis AN UNPRECEDENTED HEIGHT IS ALREADY REACHED BY WATER Flood Pounding Against Dikes With Ever Increasing Force—Levee at Wilson, Ark., Goes Out When Negro Workmen Desert. Imminent Danger MeuipM*, April ft.— \fii»r n ilny of torrential rain* nml a stiff oiuii one levee gave May before the flood Ma ter* of the MlN*i***l|i|tl early tonight and at half a dozen other point* a desperate flglit I* being Maged to hold the turbulent waterway Mithln bound* m It h the odd* agniiiMt the flood fight, era. Admittedly the levees ate weakening, the water already at an unprecedented height, is pounding against the dikes with increasing; force and whether the embankments can withhatand the pres sure is problematical. The levee near W ilson, Al‘k., went out late this evening, said to be due the de sertion of about 150 negro laborers tijils morning. With a roar that could be heard tor a mile or more about 100 feet of the eurthen revetment collapsed into the stream, and it was by a narrow margin, that tiie workers along the levee, who kept up the fight to the last minute, reached a place of safety. The gap wid ened rapidly ami as the water come through with a mighty current frail ne gro cabins were tossed about as so many playthings, trees were ewept down and carried away, but so far as can bv ascertained all of the Inhabitants in the immediate proximity of the break reacr.ed places of safety. Dap 300 Feel Wide At a late hpur tonight the gap was about ;i<M> feet in width and widening rap I idly. , The gauge reading at Memphis at 1 o'clock tonight showed a stage of 16.4. a rise of four-tenths in 12 hours. At 10 o’clock the river was stationary. Cairo reported a stage of 54,6, stationary, but above that point the Mississippi is rising, St. Bouts reporting 26.1. a rise of 1.4 f-retj since 7 a. in. All points along the Ohio river reported the river falling. As a result of the break parts of Mis sissippi, Poinsett, Cross and Crittenden j counties will be flooded and with the i water coining through the crevasse at I Graves Bayou, about 40 per cent of ?oo,. 1 (XX) acres of the St. Francis basin will be flooded. The greater part of tills area is timber land and Wilson, a settlement of about 250 lumber workers ami their fam ilies, is the most important town that will be swApt by the first rush of the wa;* r. “Backwater" may reach within two miles of Osceola on the north and Marion on the south. Other Points in Danger Other points considered In the greutest •lunger tonight me Mound • ity and Os ceola. Ark. At both points the crest of the levee Is a foot or .nore above the water, hut the river is being beaten Into high waves and sweeping over the rain soaked embankments. I'nprec^dented rainfall was reported from throughout the central Mississippi valle.w and along streams tributary to the Mississippi river. At Little Itock. Ark., the precipitation for IS boors ended at d p. m. today was 9.38 Inches. The Arkansas river is at flood stage and Four che bayou, a sluggish creek south of Lit tle Hock, is a rugitig torrent. The homes of a score of negroes are under water. The main pipe line which conveys natural gas from the Caddo, La., field to Little Hock, has burst and a majority of Little Ho'k hoirei are without light or fuel. No trains have been run out of Little Rock since morning, a ret It was stated to night It may he several lays before ser vice is resumed. At Hot Springs and other towns the damage was confined to the ‘ flooding of cellars and the washing out of country roads. (las Supply Cut (Iff The gas supply of Memphis was rut off today when the levee about the gas plain, in the flooded section of a northern suburb collapsed. Other than this the situation in this city is practically unchanged. With the exception of the St. laiuis and San Francisco lines all of the rail road operation west of Memphis went out or eommtssion today because of washouts In the roadbed. Trains of the Iron Mountain line were detoured over the St, Louis and San Franciseo tracks tonight anil oth , | roads will probably make similar arrangements. Sex era 1 hundred refugees were brought tonight to the Memphis ref ugee camp where about 1200 persons are notv being cared for. The water coming through the Wll (Cnntlnurd an Page might.) OAKLEY’S PRELIMINARY HEARING AGAIN POSTPONED Montgomery, April 9.—(Special.)— The preliminary hearing of James O. I Oakley, former president of the state convict department, who is charged with embezzlement in connection with | the heavy shortages in the depart ment’s funds, was again postponed hi the Inferior court until April 18. This is the second continual; taken since the arrest of the official. Oakley was placed under arrest three weeks ago and the hearing was set for March 28. The continuance at that time moved the date up until April 7. In the meantime the grand jury was called together supposedly Tor the purpose of investigating affairs of the convict bureau. Thirteen indictments were returned just before the last date for the hearing and it is said that the second postponement has some •1*-| nlricanoe with those who will be ar rested. Attorney General Hubert C. Bricke'.l and H. B. Bvins, legal adviser to Gos ernur O'Neal, today Issued a written statement, denying that they held any conference wtlh citizens of Selma re garding the whereabouts and surren der or Theodore Bacy, absconding chief clerk of the convict bureau. Both de clare that published newspaper reports of a conference were incorrect. The statement follows: "A statement has been current In the press that we have been in consultation with citizens of Silma with reference to the sur render of Mr. latcy. This statement is incorrect. We have had no conference with citizens of Selma or any other place With reference to the surrender of Mr. Baey nor any negotiation at any kind or character whatsower leek-, tng to that end.” i