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Newspaper
The Mobile Item
Location
Mobile, Alabama, United States of America
Date
Jan 07, 1916
Page
4
A Birmingham led debate over a state bond issue centers on avoiding tax increases. Citizens oppose millage hikes while officials argue bonds can relieve $1.5 million of debt, with assessments likely rising 50 to 60 percent if bonds fail.
In a series of articles The Item argues Mobile has abundant natural resources and improved infrastructure but fails to maximize opportunities. It urges citizens to act daily in 1916 to place Mobile at the forefront of American prosperity, criticizing investments that do not benefit local interests.
Col Keller leaves Mobile harbor after two years as chief engineer to serve with the war department in Washington. His leadership boosted Mobile's progress and inspired local aims, earning him respect as a prudent, optimistic, and congenial colleague. He departs amid strong good wishes from many friends.
Dr. Thomas Norton of the department of commerce notes a rise in U S dye output from 3000 short tons annually to 9000, with a projection to 16000 by end of 1916. Plants expanding since the war began, plus ten new coal tar intermediate factories led by BD Pratt of the Society of Chemical Industry, produce 20000 pounds daily. The shift eases laundry costs though washer women face disappointment over delayed supplies.
An epidemic of pneumonia and severe colds grips many areas as medical experts cite the ankle as highly vulnerable. The piece notes women, though predominant among victims, persist in wearing heavy furs at the chest and throat with revealing skirts, branding it a style excessive for health concerns.
Wise men who study ethereal phenomena say the December sun spot cycle caused three storms and may bring more storms. They predict these storms will gather in the gulf and move northeast, though the local risk remains low due to the sun spot on the gun.
Reliable information says now is the time to plant pecan trees for shade and ornament. In Mobile, pecan wood offers a table delicacy and a potential commercial commodity with low growing costs. Every home should plant a few for shade and property value. taxes raise rents and living costs, affecting all citizens.
The horoscope notes a mixed day with love chances but harsh planetary aspects from Uranus and Mars. It forecasts rising US marriages, more wooing by women, clothing cost easing, theatre profits, and new church activities. International tension and famine are predicted, with warnings of misunderstandings and upcoming reforms.
An astrology column predicts ominous signals for Germany England and Colombia while Canada shows favorable spring prospects. It warns of severe weather and public health risks and notes a proposed disaster near Leadville Colorado. The report ends with a local crime note: A F Leslie of Lott road is arrested for obstructing a county highway claiming the road lies on his property.
A. T. & N. traffic chief notes Mobile access to iron and timber cuts costs for a large freight car plant. Freight data show Mobile materials cheaper than Chicago Memphis and other sites. The article argues local supply, labor, taxes, and rail demand would attract investment and enable profitable production with ready markets in the southeast and beyond.
The Item invites communications on public matters with conditions. No anonymous letters, include name and address, limit to 300 words, use one side, include SASE if not used, avoid partisan topics, temperate language, correct misstatements only from The Item, avoid frequent contributors.
Mobile readers are urged to choose a bond issue over tax increases to cover a floating state debt of 2,236,887.34 dollars. The letter argues taxes would need a near 50 percent rise under current assessment rules and urges voters to approve the bond plan as practical and economical.
L. C. Bailey, 55, a copper smith on the new postoffice project, died Thursday afternoon after a fall from the building. He fractured his skull, was found crying for help about 3 o clock, and died at the Inge Bondurant sanitorium. Bailey lived with Thomas Cox at 70 Madison Street. relatives are in New Orleans and Richmond.
Albert Catledge a colored porter at the Y M B A Hall was arraigned for a preliminary hearing on a forgery charge. Jim Ales gave the accusation claiming Catledge forged an order for an overcoat at Graham Rush on Christmas eve. The hearing was continued to January 10 for more evidence.
An advertisement extols Scott's Emulsion as a blood food that increases both quantity and quality of blood to resist sickness. It urges fresh air, taking a spoonful after meals, and warns against substitutes while noting widespread use by adults and children.
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