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Newspaper
Decatur Daily
Location
Decatur, Alabama, United States of America
Date
Dec 20, 1913
Page
1
Ben Hill was arrested after an alleged robbery at Hartsell and jewelry store break ins. He pled guilty before Judge Wert and received a ten year sentence, the speedy process praised by the paper. The report notes the grand jury met. Hill faces removal to the penitentiary in a few days.
A W C T U gathering at Mrs. Co. Malone’s home featured reports from the National convention read by Mrs. B. L. Groenendyke and songs by Grace Groenendyke. Miss Groenendyke received a silver tray as thanks for decades of temperance work, with a speech praising her service and noting her name will soon symbolize farming.
The operating department of the American Telephone and Telegraph Company held its annual Christmas banquet last evening. The manager’s office served as a festive hall with covers for thirty, decorated with greens and a Blue Bell centerpiece. Gifts from Mr S Claus and a decorated tree sparked merriment as Miss Galey and Mr Ross received presents. The event, described as delightful, is planned to be an annual tradition.
The climax of merchants advertising stunts arrives tonight at the Delite and Star theatres with drawings for capital prizes. Six weeks of saved tickets will be pulled for the top prizes, including a gold watch from Stinson Bros and a bracelet watch from J. W. Thornton. James Nelson offers a ladies wrist note and Bailey and Pointer a gentleman's hand bag.
Gadsden news reports a January 8 proposal to supply cheap electric power and lights to the city. T H Friel of the Birmingham Water and Power Company outlined plans after a meeting with Mayor Holcombe and Alderman W P Johnson. The Tennessee Power Company dam at Hale's Bar would supply current, with the city acting as distributor and large consumers paying one half cent per kilowatt.
In Vicksburg Mississippi the trial of State Senator G A Hobbs for soliciting and receiving a bribe from Stephen Castleman continues Bilbo and Hobbs are accused of taking 206 and agreeing to take 2000 more for backing a new county bill Defense claims Castleman pressed Mrs M L Turnage for 2500 to aid the fight and Hobbs met Castleman at Bilbos behest Mrs Turnage editor of two Mississippi newspapers is ill and unable to testify Castleman denies the charges saying he never discussed money with Mrs Turnage and maintains his relations with her were friendly
All Decatur and New Decatur schools closed yesterday for two week yuletide break. Teachers depart today for homes to spend the holidays, with duties resuming January fifth.
Susie Maynard ten year old daughter of Mr and Mrs W Maynard won a prize in the Calumet Baking Powder Company spice cake contest. A large candy box was awarded for the best spice cake with notable effort and intelligence for her age.
Washington December 20 The administration currency reform bill proposing a new financial system and regional reit banks passed the Senate 54 to 34. Hitchcock who opposed it returned to the Democratic ranks and Weeks Poindexter and other Republicans voted for the measure. Differences with the House bill persist as leaders push for conference approval before sending to President Wilson.
Warner feature The Count of Paxton faces threats from his nephew George Barron who enlists an adventuress posing as Princess Josette to infiltrate the Paxton mansion. Paul studies science and with Anita uses a camera to reveal Josette and papers sought from the safe.
In Mana Louisiana on December 20 Jose Leon was mortally wounded by Lawrence Tate, the girl's sweetheart after dancing a tango with the town belle. The girl tried to separate them and was badly hurt. Tate received serious knife wounds.
The McReynolds announcement details a reorganization plan for the American Telephone and Telegraph Company to dissolve its Western Union holdings and restore competitive conditions nationwide. The plan, approved by the president and trusted officials, signals big business shifts toward Sherman Act conformity.
A Christmas letter from Rudolph Elliott, a six year old of Decatur Alabama, requests a train with track an air ship an overcoat a horn an Irish Mail a tricycle for his friend Orcha and good foods for Santa to bring. The note is dated December 19 1918 and signed from 422 Grove Street.
A 1913 letter from Secretary George Bates urged Decatur County to affiliate with the American Red Cross tuberculosis program. Rev J P Cotton reports progress toward organizing local funds and personnel as Christmas Seals sales continue with Blanche Todd assisting central town work. Herman Turner sold 1000 seats at the shops, with another 1000 planned.
Detroit December 20 John left Detroit for Alleghaney Pennsylvania abandoning wife Annie Kowalski and their children at 355 Otis Street. He writes he longs for his wife soup and begs for it insisting he has had none since leaving. Annie seeks a warrant charging abandonment based on his disappearance and soup craving.
Congressman Hobson visited the Echols Hotel this morning and left for Colbert county to speak today. He reported satisfaction with progress in the senatorial campaign.
In Hickman Kentucky on December 20 Mrs. Rachael Williams about 58 and Herman Gribbles 22 married by Judge W A Naylor. Both traveled from Troy Tennessee for the ceremony. The wedding appeared to be a love match.
A 1913 Decatur boy aged seven writes a Christmas note from school saying he likes his teacher, asks for a watch an overcoat a neck tie and many fruits oranges apples candies and a pack of firecrackers. He asks for gifts for his papa mama and little sister.
London dispatch notes growing unease in Britain about United States immigration legislation while the government urges calm and signals no need for protest, citing Japan's pledge to participate in the Panama Pacific Exposition.
Marriage license records show W. B. Hyde to Miss Lara Widner and Cleveland Helms to Miss Cora McAnally amid local civil filings. The fragment lists names and indicates formal matrimonial registrations in the city records.
Nashville Tenn Dec 20 J H Peyton chief construction engineer of the Louisville and Nashville railroad was yesterday elected president of the N C and St Tallway to succeed the late John W Thomas effective April 1 next.
Teck Duncan who confessed involvement in crimes linked to Jefferson County’s Lewisburg district died at the state tuberculosis camp after two weeks of pneumonia. He had been imprisoned for life since October 6, 1912, following a guilty plea in the murder of Felix J. Willard.
Van Dyke McLane and Carvanaro, long time performers at the Deliic, depart for Huntsville to headline at the Lyric for a week. On return they will immediately move to Bessemer, having purchased a half interest in Decatur’s Princess theatre. The trio, noted as accomplished musicians, leave many friends in Decatur who wish them success in their new venture.
A happy couple tied the knot in an automobile ceremony at the courthouse this morning. The pair, W. B. Hyde and Miss Lute L. Widner, were wed in a car on their trip to Decatur, with family witnesses present.
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