_THE BIRMINGHAM AGE-HERALD VOLUME XXXXin BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA, THURSDAY, MAY 22, 1913 U PAGES NUMBER 10 WORK ORDERED RESUMED ON BIG FAIRFIELD WIRE MILL; MAMMOTH PLANT WILL NOW BE RUSHED TO COMPLETION .. ....... Chairman E. H. Gary An nounces Formal Action By Finance Committee of Steel Corporation FEELING OF BUOYANCY SPREADS OVER CITY ON RECEIPT OF MESSAGE Senator Bankhead Notified That the Work Is to Go Forward Rapidly. Action Indicates Unbounded < Confidence In Birming ham In the Future Will Push the Work Ahead New York, May 21.— (Special.)—The finance committee of the United States Steel corporation decided at a special meeting today to push equipment work ahead as fast as pos sible on the wire and rod mill of the American Steel and Wire company at Birmingham, with the idea of starting up the plant in the late summer or early fall. Members of the com mittee did not give out any particulars of the undertaking, hut it was estimated in quarters familiar with the progress already made that $800,000 will he required to put the mill in shape. The American Steel and AVire company plant at Fairfield will be completed and consequently operated. Official infor mation to this effect was received in Birmingham from Judge Elbert IT. Gary, chairman of the Steel corporation, who said in a message: “At a meeting of the finance committee held today it was decided to complete the wire mills at Birmingham.” In many years no more import** ... he benefit of Birmingham has been issued. As upon the wings of the morn ing 'the report spread through the city that the long expected action of the corporation executive coinmitteeQiad been taken. And the bouyancy that followed that announcement has scarcely been duplicated in thi - district since the Steel corpor ation has been operating here. The nie*«nue of Judge Gary carried no niluor details. lie simply announced with every degree of modesty that the order to complete the mills had been fanned. 'Mint the mill* at Fnlrllrld will be completed nn .noun hn possible and will be operated to their enpaelty then Is the opinion of Industrial men of the Birmingham district. For many weeks the order of y ester day has been awaited. Speculation tins been keen for nearly two years as to what would he done with the wire plant at Fairfield. For some reason work on the Fairfield plant was atopped April 18, 1011, and the workmen there en gaged drifted alleutly away from Bir mingham. SUPERINTENDENT LUTZ RETURNED TWO DAYS AGO C. W. Lutz, superintendent of the plant, find widely known in wire circles, had no explanation to make. Shortly thereafter he left for Pittsburg, where he has re mained dntil two days ago, when lie came back to Birmingham. The plant was closed in an uncompleted stage. The ma chinery has not been completely installed. That the additional machinery needed will be installed at once and that opera tions will start when that work is fin ished is the gist of information received in Birmingham as to this very important development in this district. President Palmer of the American Steel and Wire company some three years ago dropped in here one day and said the Steel corporation intended to build a wire mill here. With that it was announced that the appropriation had been approved and work was shortly started on the plant. From that time until April IN, 3M1. the city of Fairfield was wild with success and optimistic over its future, which was exceptionally bright. From that date until yesterday, however, the destiny of Fairfield was a matter of spec ulation in the opinions of some men. Faithful merchants there, however, stood by the city of Fairfield and through Its trials followed tlie city until this time. It Is a matter of little surprise that last night the merchants and citizens of Fair field were rejoicing and incidentally cele brating the order for the completion of the mill issued by Judge Gary. MARK SUDDENLY CALLED FROM CITY The plant at Fairfield was built hv the F. W. Mark Construction company of this city The president of that company, F W. Mark, was suddenly called out of town three days ago to the east. Nat urally, speculation was rife as to his absence at that particular time on ac count of the constant rumors that were afloat here as to the probable action of the corporation executive committee yes terday. His absence from Birmingham, in the light of thr\ order of yesterday, is sub ject to a logical conclusion. It is said that as the contractor for the new plant he will be called upon to do a consider able amount of additional work. That he was called east to consult with engineers for the company is accepted as true. Mr. Mark, in view of (he order of yesterday of the executive committee, «s expected home in the next few days, following which It 'is believed work of completing the plant will he rushed. In the opinion of experts here work extending over GO or 90 days will he neces sary before the plant can be arranged for operations at the expiration of which time it is generally understood that oper ations will commence. WILL CHANGE THE ENTIRE FEELING IN BIRMINGHAM In the opinion at business man and •there In touch with the general trend (Caatlauc* ea Page him.) ♦ . • m\KHK\n is notified { • OF (dllm’l'I’F.K’S IIF,< ISION 1 ♦ I t • Senator Bankhead is in receipt of $ * a telegram today from Chairman 4 t Gary of the Tlnited States Steel 4 4 corporation announcing that 4 4 work will be resumed on the big 4 4 "lie mill at Fairfield, and that It 4 4 will be pushed to completion at an 4 4 early date. 1 ♦ ♦ WHAT PROMINENT MEN THINK OF THE MILL RESUMPTION "The order to complete the wire mills at Fairfield Is a matter of supreme Im portance to this district,” said W. P. G. ! Harding, president of the First National I hank and president of the Chamber of I Commerce. “I think no development at this time could have been more invigorating to this community. The action of the steel corporation in this order should and I believe will merit the congratulations of all thoughtful men of this commun ity. Taken In connection with its other work here this is the supremest test of the good feeling that is borne Birming ham by the Steel corporation officials. Nothing, as I said, could have occurred , at this time which will cause a bet ter and more hopeful feeling than thisj order. “In connection with the success that has been achieved by those who started' tiie preliminaries leading up to this or der, I wish to say that John Hollis Bankhead, United States senator from this state, deserves unusual commenda tion. He has loyally assisted in the arguments that were used on Judge K. H. Gary, chairman of the Steel cor poration. Senator Bankhead, wishing to serve Birmingham, used every con- ] sistent endeavor to bring about this extremely gratifying situation. v I am , personally deeply gratified over this development and believe this news is such as to cause rejoicing in this dls- j trlct. ’ ROBERT JEMISON, JR., IS DEEPLY (iRATIFIED "I am deeply gratified," said Robert Jemlson, Jr., who has handled the de velopments of Fairfield In detail. "This order is of exceptional benefit to this district and Fairfield. I believe that after all the cessation of work has been for the best. Since it wks closed we have been enabled to get practically all out- development work at Fairfield com pleted so at this time we have an ex ceptionally fine city for those skilled men who will reside there. Taken by and large this is for the general good of the whole city. I firmly believe that if the plant had not been closed we would have had now 7500 residents of Fairfield. That number will be reached soon and the city will soar onward un til It reaches that Importance to which It has always been destined. "There cannot he any thoughtful man here who will deny grateful thanks to Judge Gary, Mr. Harding of the First National bank. Senator Rankhead and others who have assisted In convincing the Steel corporation executives that this time was not Inappropriate to re sume work at Fairfield. I believe us Nine) “ JUDGE GARY CONFIRMS ACTION TAKEN WEST UNION TEI AM THEO. N. VAIL. PRESIDENT **=*—=gy ' i ==?-.■■ . .... . - . . .. . , -.. _ RECEIVED AT ~ ------- 35NY Q 10 UF NEWYORK MAY 2l E W BARRETT £ BIRMINGHAM AGE HERALD 8GHAM ALA FINANCE COMMITTEE TODAY DECIDED TO FINISH WIRE MILLS AT BIRMIMGHAM /v’ E H GARY o 13«p Pi5 AIDERS WALKER EXPECTED TO DIE AT ANYMOMENT Remarkable Battle Against Hand of Death Almost At An End THE CASE IS ALMOST WITHOUT PRECEDENT “If I Am Dying," Says Stricken Banker, “the Sensation Is Not Unpleasant; None Need Fear Its Terrors” I 4 4 WALKER DIES AT ItSS. 4 ♦ 4 4 Macon, May 22.—R. Sanders Wal- 4 4 ker, who took bichloride of mer- 4 4 ckry hy mistake here last Wednes- 4 4 day, died at 1:35 o’clock this morn- 4 4 Ing. He had not regained con- 4 4 sciousness since early this after- 4 4 noon. His immediate family was 4 4 at his bedside when he died. 4 ♦ ♦ Macon, Ga., May 21— Displaying in his few conscious moments the same indomi table coinage which has characterized bis week's fight with death from poisoning. B. Sanders Walker tonight was expected to die at any moment by his attending physicians. Battling for life since last Wednesday, when he took a bichloride of mercury tab let by mistake, the young banker late today lapsed into unconsciousness for the ♦first time. Since 'hnt time he has re gained consciousness only at brief inter vals. A characteristic utterance made just before he went into a state of partial coma late today illustrates the remark able composure with which he has faced death: ‘ If I am dying,” he said, “then the sen sation is not as unpleasant as it is gen erally pictured. If this be dying, then none need fear its terrors.” Exhaust All Methods Tonight ihe attending physicians, who are said to have exhausted every method ot treatment known to medical science In their efforts to stay the hand of death, expressed the belief that Walker could not live more than a lew hours. The last official bulletin gave ihe pulse as 120, his respiration 30 and h's temperature nor mal. At 9 o'clock this morning Walker's pulse was 126, his respiration Si and his temperature normal. Interest of specialists and the public generally throughout the country rias been aroused by the lortitude with which the young hanker has combatted the slow but steady work of the deadly poison. Countless messages conveying sympathy and suggesting methods of treatment have llooded the Wa'ker home. Despite assurances of the ceitatnty of death as a result of his paralyzed organs. Wal ker’s belief that ho wolud recover -,vas not shaken at a '.ate hour. Repeatedly today he sought to comfort his wife, struggling bravely to bear up under the trying ordeal. Displayed Keen Interest The young banker nlso displayed keen Interest In the conferences held by h's physicians and begged his nurse to tell him exactly what conclusions they hud reached. Walker frequently requested, until he became Intermittently unconscious, to be permitted to talk with his relatives, prac tically all of his immediate family hav ing been summoned to the patient’s homo when he became 111. t'nnost quiet prevails In the viclnltv of the Walker home. A few citizens appar ently drawn to the house by morbid cu riosity gathered !n groups on the side walk In hushed voices. One of the at tending physicians tonight made the fol lowing statement: "It Is my conviction that Mr. w7a!'ter is dying tonight. There has been no hone ful sign, nothing of al'evlation noted, and he grows steadily weaker. If he Is living by daylight 1 will he si rprlsed.” Efforts to ascertain Ihe exact treatment Walker Is being g'cen tonight were un availing. The physicians declined to dis cuss this subject it all. It Is understood, however, that they have hepn In cl iso communication with physicians at .he Johns Hopkins hospital In Baltimore. . Report Suffrage Bill Favorably Springfield, 111., May 21,-The woman suffrage bill, granting votes to women for all statutory offices In Illinois, was reported favorably to the Illinois house of lepresentati ves today and advanced to second reading. The measure already has passed the senate. It* advocates be lieve it will have equal success in th* feousa. FEDERAL INVESTIGATION IN THE COAL MINE STRIKE IS PRACTICALLY ASSURED Washington, May 21.—Federal inves- tions in the Paint creek region preced tigation of the strike of coal miners in lh£. during and after the strike. The committee would he authorized to con the Paint creek region in West Virginia rt,,ct hearings either in Washington or was practically assured today when the West Virginia and to subpoena wit senate education and labor committee ITTn e-Jt "°"ld Investigate questions of alleged peonage; interference with agreed to report tomorrow with amend- the malls; violation oT the immigration ments Senator Kern's resolution author- laws' vloin tion of the laws for the trial iz-lng an inquiry The resolution re- Sherman'acATX coaI°opiratots and diafted by a subcommittee with the the causes that led up to the conditions understanding: that It be laid before the existing: In Paint creek. The scope of Senate with the indorsement of the rep°lution is so broad that the com other members, would allow a "thor- " £?k f ^soll,tipl>' anythin* . , .... concerning West \ lrginia miners en ough and complete inquiry into condl- erators or mines. ’ * STEEL CORPORATION GREATESJJN 0. S. Schwab Tells Why It Was Impossible to Organize a Corporation of its Equal in 1901 New York. May 21.—Because the United States Steel corporation owned some 75 per cent of the ore reserves of the coun try it would have been impossible in 1901 to have organized another corpora tion its equal, Charles M. Schwab, first vice president of the corporation, testi fied today in the government’s suit to dissolve the corporation as an illegal combination. The testimony was adduced in cross-examination by government counsel. Mr. Schwab said, however, that ores could have been imported from foreign countries and a corporation as big as the United States Steel concern organ ized. He conceded, on the other hand, that there was no other financial inter ests in the United States as strong as those which went into the corporation, namely, J. P. Morgan & Co., the Rocke feller-Standard Oil interests, the Carnegie interests and the W. H. Moore group. Completes Testimony Mr. Schwab completed Ills testimony today in the face of persistent efforts on the part of Judge Jacob M. Dickin son, the government attorney, to gain admissions tending to show that the cor poration was organized chiefly to pre vent destructive wars among competing steel concerns, defended the company at every point. In his conversations with J. P. Mor gan that led to the organization of the corporation ho had never, he declared, discussed the alleged threat of Andrew Carnegie to build a tube plant In com petition with the National Tube com pany, one of the concerns afterward taken over. In connection with present con ditions in the steel industry Mr. Schwab testified that "if 7 live long enough and have the money,' the Bethlehem Steel corporation, of which he is now chair man. would manufacture every product now made by the Steel corporation. He said the Steel corporation, owing to the advantage of owning transportation fa cilities, was able to manufacture steel rails $4 to $5 cheaper than Its compet itors. but said that was only "because the Bethlehem Steel corporation has not got the resources to build railroads of its own.” Georgia Couple Drowned Savannah, Ga.. May 31.—John Matthews and Bessie Seagers were drowned In the Ogesche river near Savannah today when the boat in which they were riding was overturned Three other occupants of the boat, two women and a man. were res cued by Parry Clay, who1 also was a member of the party. ......... TODAY’S AGE-HERALD 1— Work on Fairfield wire mill to he re sumed. Sanders Walker dies. Federal Investigation of coal mine strike likely. Japan receives United States reply. Inside history of textile strike. Democrats plan basic change in tariff I hill. 2— Equal suffrage club entertains Hobson. 3— Unification of New York Central a I gigantic task. 4— Editorial comment. 5— Underwood exceedingly busy. Many expected at directors' meeting. Builders will give final answer today. Crisis reached in rate situation. 6— Society. 7— Sports. S--Banquet given to Seminary class. S— Commencement of Medical college. 11—Patterson chosen grand chancellor. 13— Markets. 14— Much complaint of postal sarvlca. TOKIO GOVERNMENT RECEIVES 0. S. REPLY IN ALL GOOD SPIRIT Favorable Turn of Events Most Satisfactory to the Washington Officials. Gist of Reply Washington, May 21.—Reassuring ad vices reached the state department from Japan late today, Indicating that the American reply to the protest against the California land law was received in good spirit hy the Tokio government and that the situation had taken a much more favorable appearance than at any time since negotiations began. Officials here admitted their satisfaction over the turn of events. The dispatches related also that the Japanese government realized fully the difficulties under which the Washington administration had labored In handling this situation, understanding the dual system of the United States and the powers of legislation by California. Today's advices were of a preliminary character and made no prediction of en suing steps, but in general they reflected a favorable view on Tokio of the Amer ican note replying to Japan's protest. Wilson’s Part President Wilson, who had no small part In the writing or the note, is said to have described In most complimentary terms what he believed to be the real feeling of the majority of the American people toward Japan. The communica tion. It is said, pointed to California, and only a part of California, too, as having given evidence of a discrimina tory disposition and Insisted thst the United States as a whole admired the Progress that Japan had made In the last half century, respected the achieve ments of tlie Japanese people, and was sincerely anxious to show that it regard ed Japan on a basis of equality with all other powers and nations. The note was about 1000 words long and dealt chiefly with the spirit of the American people toward Japan, making little reference, It is understood, to the technicalities of the new law or the treaty, but discussing Japan's contention that the California agitation was In reali ty on act of unfriendliness and discrimi nation toward the Japanese. Officials here were not In the lea at opposed to publication of the document but decision on this point was left with the Tokio government. Acute Stage Passed While the situation tonight was regard ed as satisfactory in official quarters, the Japanese are watched with keen in terest. Officials generally, however, were inclined to hope that tlie acute stage In the negotiations had passed. The President, realizing that speeches in Congress at this time might embarrass tlie situation, requested Representative Sisson of Mississippi, who hail announced his intention of speaking on Friday on tlie alien land question, to handle as del icately as possible diplomatic phases of the ease. Exchange Will Receive Report Liverpool, May 21.—The cotton ex change* here will remain In session un til fl p. in. on June 2, to receive the re port on the condition of the American cotton crop. !♦ ’ —» 4 liF.n. H. DENNY INJURED IN 4 I 4 RUNAWAY ACC IDENT 4 ♦ 4 4 Mobile. May 21 —President George 4 4 H Denny of the University of 4 4 Alabama was Injured In a runaway 4 4 accident at Maplesvllle, according 4 4 to a wire to Mobile this evening. 4 4 Horses he were driving were fright- 4 4 ened when the carriage pole broke 4 4 and he was thrown out. His in- 4 4 juries are not regarded as serious 4 i though painful. 4 4 ♦ .... I INSIDE HISTORY OF BIG TEXTIIE SHE REVEALED IN TRIAL J. J. Breen. Confessed Dyna mite “Planter,” Tells of | the Part He Played REFUSED $7000 FROM ATTEAUX’S ATTORNEY -f_ Charges That Atteaux Engaged Him* to “Plant” the Dynamite. Wood’s Name Is Mentioned Only Once Boston, May 21.—Something of what went on behind the Beenes in the city of Lawrence during the great textile \ strike of 1912 was' revealed today at the dynamite conspiracy trial of Pres ident William M. Wood of the Ameri can Woolen company, Frederick E. At teaux and Dennis J. Collins by .John J. Breen, convicted and confessed "plant er” of dynamite. Breen's story of his activity on be half of both strikers and mill owners culminated In a declaration that he had refused to accept $7000 from Atteaux's attorney, Daniel H. Coakley, the law yer who was cross examining him. This testimony previously introduced was that eight persons who had been arrested when dynamite was found in buildings occupied by them at Law rence, had later brought damage suits against Breen, who had "planted” the explosive. Breen testified that he had gone to Atteaux to get $13,000 after) his own counsel had told him that all the suits could be settled for $12,000. Cut Most in Your Pocket He denied he knew the damage suit could be settled at a lower figure when he was endeavoring to induce Atteaux to pay him $13,000. Breen finally said that he had refused an offer of $7000 from Coakley himself because he would not agree to the terms. Asked by Coakley what the terms were Breen replied ‘You told me to put most of it in iny pocket and settle with the poor slobs as cheap as 1 could.’ I didn't want that kind of money and rejected the offer.” Breen said Attcattx had engaged him to plant the dynamite and had ar ranged with Ernest R. Pitman, the And over builder, who committed suicide when tlie* grand Jury began investigat ing the alleged conspiracy, to furnish the explosive. Wood’s Name Mentioned Mr. Woods’ name was mentioned only once and that was when Breen said he asked Atteaux if the mill president knew anything about the matter and Atteaux replied that he did not. Breen’s activities in connection with the strike were due, he said, to pride in his city and desire to benefit, the operatives Under cross-examination the witness could not recall whether or not he had sald'that his father’s estate owned $20, 000 worth of American Woolen com pany stock, but admitted that if he had marie such a statement it was untrue. The cross-examination of Breen will he continued tomorrow. IS KILLED IN WRECK NEAR TUSCALOOSA Frank Johnson Dead—Sand Washes Over M. and O. Tracks, Causing Wreck Tuscaloosa, May 22.—(Special.) — Fireman Frank Johnson of Tuscaloosa was killed, engineer W. H. Connell, also Df Tuscaloosa, seriously scalded, and C. R. Hamner, a passenger, was slightly injured when the Mobile and Ohio pas senger train running between Colum bus, Miss., and Montgomery was de railed near Holman, a small station about 20 miles west of Tuscaloosa at about 8 o'clock last night. The cause of the wreck is attributed to a heavy coating of sand which had been washed over the tranks by the rains this afternoon. The engine was completely derailed and was thrown over by the side of t'he track, killing Fireman Johnson instantly, and pinning the engineer beneath. The baggage car was also thrown from the track, but Its passengers esen ped unhurt. With the exception of C. R. Hamner, whose back was severely strained by the Jolt, the passengers were unharmed except for a few slight Injuries. Woifl of the wreck reached Tusca loosa shortly after 8 o’clock and a re lief train with physicians and attend ants was promptly dispatched to the scene. Passengers and crew were brought here tonight. DEMOCRATS PUN FIRST (SASIC CHANGE j Determined to Equalize ; Grains and Live Stock and Respective Products WOULD EQUALIZE TWO SCHEDULES No Decision As To Whether Raw Ma terials and Products Are To Be On Free List or Dutiable. Wilson Approves Washington. May 21.—-Determination to equalize li\e stock and grains and their respective products in the Underwood tar iff bill has been reached by the Senatft finance subcommittee considering the agricultural schedule. It has Veen agreed that if cattle, sheep, hogs, wheat and oats are to remain dutiable as the Un derwood hill classifies them, then a duty shall be placed upon beef, mutton, pork, wheat flour and oats, or If these products are to remain on the free ll:-t the raw I materials will l»e converted into the free | list. i This is the first basic tariff change to be planned by the Senate democrats since the Underwood bill came front the Houa.e. Whether raw materials and their prod ucts are to be free listed or ali are to i>e made dutiable .has not been deter mined, but that all would be treated alike j was asserted today by Senator John Sharp Williams, chairman of the subcommittee, I which has the schedule in hand. The decision to equalize these st hedules. it also was reported, hod been reached with the knowledge of the President and not without his approval. No (■ round for Report When Senator Williams was told of a report in circulation that his committee had decided to put all live stock and grains on the free list in keeping with their products as they are treated in the Underwood bill, lie declared there was no ground for such a report. “But,” declared the senator, “there is this much about it. If cattle, sheep and hogs are to remain dutiable In this hill then their products will carry a duty. The same is true of wheat, oats, flour and oatmeal. There will be no discrimination between these raw materials and their 1 products in tills bill. But we have not determined whether they snail he du tiable or undutiable.” The fight over this feature of the Un derwood bill began in the House and there was considerable democratic opposition to the free listing of farm products, while the raw material was left dutiable. Pome democrats predicted during the debate that the Senate would change the sched ule. most of them asserting that live stock and grains would go on the free list Whatever the subcommittee does in the matter is expected to meet with the approval of the finance committee ma jority. It was learned today that Sen ator Walsh of Montana plans to intro duce an amendment, in the Senate to put cattle on the froe list if the bill is presented without such a chnneg. The Underwood bill puts a duty of 10 p«r cent ad valorem on all live (Continued on Pago Klght) Alleged that Iron Transpok tations From Birming ham to Oklahoma High Washington, May 21.—(Special.) - Alleg ing that rates charged by the San Fran cisco and Santa Fe railroads for trans portation on Iron from Birmingham to Collinsville, Okla.. and other Oklahoma points should ire 40 cents per loo pounds instead of 49 cents, the rate assessed. h complaint was died today with the in terstate commerce commission by attor neys of Muskogee, okla. It Is alleged that the southern lines charge only 40 cents fot carrying pip > from Birmingham to Oklahoma destina tions. and that in some instances the mileage Is greater than that for which, this rate of 49 cents was charged. The complainants ask the 40-cent rate be es tablished by the defendants, and also seek reparation In the sum of $806.57 on as sessment of pip** already made. itenial has been made by the commis sion of the Louisville and Nashville et al. to establish a rate of $1.66 per gross ton on pig iron carload lots from 1 ronton to Harriman, Tenn.. without observing the long and short haul. It was held that sufficient justification had not been shown. •■•■•••■•••••••••••■■•■•••••a*•••••••••••••••••••••» SECRETARY DANIELS TAKES SHORT TRIP IN FLYING BOAT “It Was Delightful,” Says Secretary of Navy. "I Enjoyed the Sensation Thoroughly”—Inspects Academy Grounds Annapolis, Md., May 21—Secretary' of the Navy Josephus Daniels this after noon traveled eight miles through the air In a flying boat. "It was delightful; I enjoyed the sensation thoroughly," was the secretary’s reply to an Inquiry Just after he alighted. ThOuSecretary went up with Lieut. John H. Towers, senior officer of the navy aviation corps, whoso camp is across the river from the Naval academy. The flight was made in the flying boat "C-l.” The air trip was begun at 3:66 o'clock and eight minutes later the trip was over and the secretary, after traveling about eight miles at a height of OX1 feet, was telling of his experience. Mr. Dnnlels came to Annapolis this morning and Inspected the buddings and grounds at the academy. Atter dining with Supterintendent J. H. Gibbons, he boarded a navy launch, which carried hjtn to the aviation cam* «