06 Feb 1916
Page 1
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Newspaper
The Mobile Item
Location
Mobile, Alabama, United States of America
Date
Feb 06, 1916
Page
1
A reflection on evolving faith and aspiration as the soul rejects old, earthly limits. The poem urges building higher, grander spiritual vessels to approach the divine, freeing the spirit from its previous shell.
The situation with Germany remains largely unchanged. Germany may accept liability for neutral deaths and agrees not to attack passenger ships without warning, while avoiding full condemnation of the Lusitania sinking. President Wilson stands ready to keep the nation out of war unless war is forced.
A First National Bank of Mobile monthly letter reports brighter trade conditions. December 1915 clearings exceed 20 billion dollars, up 61 percent from December 1914, with fewer failures and $12 million less liabilities. Exports and imports rise in the four weeks to January 1, 1916, pig iron production more than doubles, and steel capacity grows with new plants and furnaces. Wage increases cover 600,000 workers, totaling about 50 million dollars annually. January dividends and interest disbursements total 263 million, up 21 million from 1914. A Birmingham Jewish citizens mass meeting spurs Protestant support to raise 10,000 dollars for Europe.
The piece portrays Col. Theodore Roosevelt as a private citizen now favoring ample preparedness to avert war and disgrace if war comes. It notes his past hawkish image and argues the U S already has a readiness-minded leader, not Roosevelt, ready to advocate Wilson’s policy.
The Huntsville Times backs Richmond Pearson Hobson a former navy captain and congressman for the White House. The paper notes the nation may elect Hobson when his time comes but predicts Alabama may soon furnish a president whose name resembles the man who defeated Hobson for the Senate.
War-related shifts push U S production from 3 300 to 15 000 tons per year of coal tar colors. Imports drop from 25 000 tons prewar, causing scarcity. Crude coal tar supplies feed munition needs while 17 firms make intermediates and 12 produce finished dyes.
The Tuscaloosa editor is chastised for reprinting The Item’s piece “Tuscaloosa Wide Awake” with credit given to another town. The writer urges accuracy and fairness, noting the error in the January 30 issue and asking not to repeat it.
The daily horoscope notes a propitious day for love and education with Jupiter and Venus in favorable aspect. It predicts meetings between men and women, new acquaintances turning lucky, and benefits for philanthropic drives. It also warns of potential leadership vacancies by year end and notes varying fortunes in literature, drama, and education.
The Mobile press argues the cotton rate case will help Mobile secure favorable freight rates from Central of Georgia Seaboard Air Line and other lines while dispelling misimpressions about North and South routes. It urges focusing on Mobile’s water competition, deep port, low charges, and local facilities, while avoiding negative publicity and praising civic effort.
From Longview Texas a suggestion urges each Texas county to vote a bond of five hundred thousand to one million dollars to fund a cotton factory. Proceeds would be split ten percent for charity thirty percent for schoolhouses thirty percent for hard surfaced roads and thirty percent for school books. If workable this policy could spur mills using local cotton while supporting education roads and welfare.
After a period of opposition the city fathers of Birmingham allowed Sunday movies. Pessimists predicted failure, but within two months the 3 y movies became a fixture in the city.
Billy Brooks and Fred Dennis, two unnamed film operators at the Queen Theatre, saved patrons by guiding exits and ensuring receipts were gathered as flames engulfed the theater. The fire illuminated quiet heroism as staff kept calm while firefighters arrived, preventing injuries in a crowded Friday afternoon showing. Meanwhile Kaul Lumber Company plans 4000 acres of fenced cattle land in Hale County Alabama, near Tuscaloosa, with Beverly Head stating expansion possible if the venture proves profitable.
Dozens of visitors arrive in Mobile for short stays as business leaders from Birmingham Chicago and Detroit plus residents from Oak Park Tupelo and Memphis populate the Cawthon and Battle House hotels. Several parties travel by Louisville & Nashville to New York Chicago and Pass Christian while local distances and carnival plans draw attention.
Battle House reports participants including R E L Goldsborough L Gurson R Harris Muehlfelder Worthington Hill Webb Johnson Rockford Hill Donnelly Rockford Fort Morgan Hill Webb Johnson Miller Johnson Vedder Dog River with several listed cities and spouses across the region.
A historical speech urges unity for all races under the banner of America First. It stresses welcoming newcomers, resisting war, and keeping the nation peaceful if possible, while defending freedom and national spirit. The author Denis A. McCarthy frames patriotism as transcending origin and calls readers to remember the phrase America First.
A long sequence of personal names and partial locations including Ala Alabama entries, Chicago and New York addresses, and several married couples. The fragment reads like a guest or passenger register with many scattered city and state references across the United States.
Readers ask about the silver dollar value and a Boston dealer name while the editor declines business inquiries. A letter explains some women view wedding rings as symbols of bondage and unity remains a sentiment. a physics reply compares carbide and gasoline volumes. Historical quiz notes discuss Mexico’s 1911 revolution and naval rankings.
Washington reports four potential candidates for the 1916 presidency: Wilson Bryan Roosevelt and McCall with Bryan planning pacifism prohibition and a one term pledge. The Democratic split appears possible as Bryan challenges the president and readiness program.
Analysis notes a fractious Republican scene with Reed Smoot opposing Roosevelt and McCall favored by Regular Republicans. Progressives resist compromise while Roosevelt likely seeks Chicago nomination. Four way race cited with 15 million votes from four years ago and possible outcomes remain uncertain.
A one story frame house on Marine street burned Friday night at 10 45 o clock from an unknown cause. Mrs Ethel Norton owner occupant. Loss partly insured. A basement fire at Clark school 309 311 North Conception street caused slight damage due to defective flu. A Blakely Island shack opposite Dauphin street burned Friday. fire boat blocked by shallow water.
Bill Glass and Jim Denham, two Black men, were arrested Friday afternoon by Deputy Sheriffs Mills and Brannan in Plateau on petit larceny charges. Augustus Meaher, brickyard operator, says the pair stole a large quantity of old machinery from his yard.
Mary Wells and husband transfer section 31 township 5 south range 2 west to A R Minnis for 1 dollar. Alabama Land and Development Company sells section 5 township 1 south range 3 west to K G Korian for 1901.70. F A Smith sells lot 5 in square 169 to T J Smith for 6000 and other valuable considerations. G A Mirth and wife sell southeast corner of Fulton and Duncan streets to Mrs Lottie Litterle for 400. J C O Gwynn sells 158 Lyons street between Pearl and Hospital to T J O Connor for 186.95. A G Wass and wife sell section 15 township 2 south range 1 west to Guss Benson for 1 and other valuable considerations. J W Benjamin sells section 31 township 5 south range 2 west to H L McGeorge for 900 and other valuable considerations.
Hammel's announces a week long event at the Hiawatha Indian Village starting next Monday. Two entertainments daily, with invites extended to families and children.
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